13 Going On 30 Musical To Hit Manchester Opera House In 2025; Details Inside

As a child of the early 2000s, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia hearing about the upcoming musical adaptation of “13 Going On 30”. This movie was a staple in my VHS collection, and I must have watched it a hundred times, dreaming of the day I could magically wake up as a 30-year-old woman with a fabulous wardrobe and a dream job.


The stage adaptation of the beloved 2004 film “13 Going on 30” is in development and is set to premiere in London and Manchester in 2025. Just like the movie, this production will be called “13 Going on 30,” with Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo reprising their roles. The show will continue the story of Jenna Rink, a shy 13-year-old girl who yearns to leapfrog over high school.

As per the play’s official summary, “Jenna Rink is a charmingly clumsy 13-year-old girl who longs to bypass the struggles of high school. Her birthday wish unexpectedly comes true, and she wakes up as a 30-year-old woman, living life as a fashion magazine editor with a seemingly flawless existence, characterized by being thirty, flirtatious, and successful.

As I delve deeper into understanding the person I’ve evolved into, I embark on a voyage to discern the essential aspects – both things and people – that truly hold significance in my life.

Currently, Andy Fickman, renowned for his work on Heather: The Musical, has been appointed as the director for the upcoming play. Notably, this musical is based on a book penned by Josh Goldsmith and Kathy Yuspa, who were also co-writers of the original movie.

According to the statement from the play’s creators, “When we wrote the movie ’13 Going on 30′, we hadn’t imagined that 20 years later, we would witness a new generation becoming enamored with Razzles and experiencing being thirty, flirty, and thriving.

Working with ROYO, Revolution Studios, songwriters Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman has been an absolute pleasure. Together, we’ve brought this story to the stage as a musical.

Additionally, Goldsmith and Yuspa led a workshop on the play last year, expressing their excitement over the audience’s reaction. Now, they eagerly anticipate the official opening in Manchester at the historic Opera House – a venue known for launching numerous classic musicals.

The creators encouraged everyone to attend the performance by saying, “Feel free to bring along your loved ones, acquaintances, or even a special someone, or come on your own – there’s no need for embarrassment, everyone here is friendly. We hope you enjoy watching the show as much as we did creating it!

Information about the actors involved and the structure of the play will be revealed by its creators shortly.

13 Going On 30 musical will open at the Manchester Opera House on September 21, 2025.

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2024-10-29 22:53