The University of Western Ontario’s faculty of education is bringing audience members back to that time – the beginning of teenage-hood with their production of 13, a coming-of-age musical that speaks to any demographic.

The play follows Evan Goldman of New York. His parents are getting divorced and he suddenly finds himself in Appleton, Indiana, where he’s nervous making friends, and his looming bar mitzvah – and who actually attends – basically determines his spot on the social ladder. Oh, the perils of being 13. The play features your typical dumb jocks and mean girl cheerleaders, with the outsiders – Archie, who suffers from spinal cord injuries and who knows he hasn’t got long to live, and Patrice, Evan’s next door neighbour. And of course – the occasional rabbis that appear at the tense moments, providing comic relief and a little guidance.

“We wanted to make it accessible to all kids,” said director, Saffron Dieroff. The production will be shown to local schools in addition to the public performances.

“And they’re the same situations you encounter in university – you shouldn’t gossip, you should treat people the way you want to be treated...labels don’t matter.”

The production is part of the faculty’s annual theatre program. It lets future teachers get involved in the aspects they eventually want to do when they get into the field: those interested in being art teachers help with the set, future math teachers help with budgets.

Plus, it’s something to enjoy before they graduate.

“It’s our last chance to do that fun thing before we grow-up,” said Greg Ryerson, who plays Evan.

Despite the content being somewhat tailored for a younger crowd – everyone will enjoy reminiscing without going through the awkward again, he added.

“We’re mocking the situations. It’s for 13-year-olds to look at and laugh and for adults to look back and laugh,” said Ryerson.