13 Going on 30 Musical – Manchester Premiere Dates and Cast
The stage adaptation of the beloved 2004 romantic comedy “13 Going on 30” has transitioned from development to confirmed production, with world premiere dates set for Manchester in 2025. Following a workshop earlier this year, the musical features the original film’s screenwriters crafting the book and an original score by the composers of “Secondhand Lions.”
Lucie Jones leads the cast as Jenna Rink, the role originated on screen by Jennifer Garner, who returns as executive producer. The production aims for future West End and Broadway transfers following its limited run at Manchester Opera House.
With a North American premiere already scheduled for Toronto in November 2026, the adaptation represents the latest high-profile film-to-stage transition from Revolution Studios.
Is 13 Going on 30 Becoming a Musical?
|
Status Pre-Broadway / World Premiere Scheduled |
Announced November 2024 |
Lead Producer Revolution Studios |
Source Material 13 Going on 30 (2004 Film) |
- Workshop Completed: A 2024 workshop featured Lucie Jones in the lead role.
- Original Screenwriters: Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who wrote the 2004 film screenplay, penned the stage book.
- World Premiere Cast: Lucie Jones stars as Jenna, with David Hunter as Matt and Grace Mouat as Lucy.
- Dual Premiere Strategy: Manchester (2025) followed by Toronto (2026) before potential Broadway.
- Jennifer Garner’s Return: The original film star serves as executive producer.
- 20th Anniversary Timing: Development aligned with the film’s milestone anniversary.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Book | Josh Goldsmith & Cathy Yuspa |
| Music & Lyrics | Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner |
| Director | Andy Fickman |
| Executive Producer | Jennifer Garner |
| World Premiere | Sept 21–Oct 12, 2025 |
| Venue | Manchester Opera House |
| Lead Cast | Lucie Jones (Jenna) |
| North American Premiere | November 2026, Toronto |
Who Is Behind the 13 Going on 30 Musical?
The Writing Team
Goldsmith and Yuspa, who crafted the original 2004 screenplay, have reunited to write the book for the stage adaptation. Their involvement ensures the theatrical version maintains the distinctive voice and narrative structure that defined the film’s success.
Composers and Direction
Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, whose credits include “Secondhand Lions,” provide the original score and lyrics. Director Andy Fickman helms the production.
The decision to have original screenwriters Goldsmith and Yuspa adapt their own work for the stage represents a deliberate choice to preserve the film’s authentic dialogue and character dynamics, rather than outsourcing to a separate playwright.
When and Where Will the 13 Going on 30 Musical Premiere?
Manchester Opera House
The world premiere is scheduled for September 21, 2025, running through October 12 at Manchester Opera House. The limited engagement serves as the production’s first public presentation, with tickets having gone on sale November 13, 2024.
The Manchester cast features Lucie Jones as Jenna Rink, David Hunter as Matt Flamhaff, and Grace Mouat as Lucy Wyman. Additional casting was announced following the initial reveal.
Toronto, Canada
Following the Manchester run, the North American premiere is scheduled for November 2026 in Toronto as part of the Mirvish season. This positions Toronto as the first North American city to host the production.
Broadway and West End Prospects
While producers aim for West End and Broadway transfers following the Manchester run, no confirmed dates exist for these markets. The Manchester and Toronto engagements serve as developmental steps toward potential future productions.
How Does the Musical Connect to the Original Film?
Story and Characters
The adaptation follows the film’s plot, chronicling Jenna Rink’s overnight transformation from bullied teenager to successful 30-year-old magazine editor, and her reconnection with childhood friend Matt Flamhaff. The musical expands the narrative through an original score while preserving the romantic comedy’s central themes.
Jennifer Garner’s Role
Although Garner originated the role of Jenna on screen, she does not appear in the stage production. Instead, she serves as executive producer alongside the production team of ROYO, Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman, and Phil Kenny.
While Garner’s executive producer credit indicates substantial behind-the-scenes investment in the project’s fidelity to the source material, no evidence suggests she will make a cameo appearance during the Manchester or Toronto runs.
Development and Production Timeline
- : Original film “13 Going on 30” released, starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo.
- : Development on the stage adaptation begins.
- : Workshop production held with Lucie Jones playing Jenna.
- : Manchester Opera House world premiere announced with Lucie Jones leading.
- : Tickets go on sale for the Manchester run.
- : World premiere opens at Manchester Opera House (limited run through Oct 12).
- : North American premiere scheduled for Toronto, Canada.
What We Know vs. What Remains Uncertain
| Established Information | Information Remaining Unclear |
|---|---|
|
|
While producers express intention to move the show to Broadway and the West End following the Manchester and Toronto runs, no contracts, venues, or dates have been announced for these potential transfers.
The Growing Trend of Film-to-Stage Adaptations
The “13 Going on 30” musical joins a robust pipeline of 2000s-era films transitioning to stage productions. This trend follows successful adaptations like “Mean Girls” and “Heathers,” which have established markets for nostalgic romantic comedies and coming-of-age stories.
The practice of engaging original screenwriters, as seen with Goldsmith and Yuspa, has become increasingly common to ensure authentic translation of cinematic voices to theatrical formats. Similar strategies were employed in historical theatrical pieces like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, though that production originated as a stage piece before becoming a film.
Unlike Shakespearean tragedies such as Tomorrow and Tomorrow Macbeth Soliloquy which have always existed as theatrical texts, these contemporary film adaptations must navigate the challenge of expanding cinematic montage and internal monologue into sustainable theatrical arcs through song.
Statements from the Creative Team
“The timing feels particularly appropriate as we approach the film’s 20th anniversary.”
— Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, via Broadway.com, November 2024
The writing team emphasized the serendipity of developing the musical adaptation two decades after the film’s original release, noting that the anniversary provided organic momentum for the project.
The Current State of the 13 Going on 30 Musical
With workshops completed, casting announced, and tickets on sale for the September 2025 Manchester premiere, “13 Going on 30 – The Musical” has progressed from development concept to realized production. The creative team brings direct continuity from the original film, while Lucie Jones steps into the lead role for the initial limited engagement. The production’s trajectory through Toronto in 2026 suggests long-term commercial ambitions, though Broadway and West End dates remain aspirational rather than concrete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of the 13 Going on 30 musical?
The musical adapts the 2004 film’s plot, following teenager Jenna Rink who wishes herself into adulthood and wakes up as a 30-year-old magazine editor, forcing her to navigate adult relationships while reconnecting with her childhood friend.
Will Jennifer Garner appear in the musical?
No. Garner serves as executive producer but will not perform. Lucie Jones plays Jenna Rink in the Manchester premiere, with casting for Toronto unannounced.
When can I see the musical on Broadway?
No Broadway dates have been announced. The production aims for a transfer following the Manchester and Toronto runs, but no timeline or venue has been confirmed.
Who wrote the songs for 13 Going on 30 musical?
Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner composed the music and lyrics. A video of Lucie Jones performing “The Moment in Time” was released.
Is this the first time the film has been adapted?
Yes. This represents the first authorized stage adaptation of the 2004 film, with development beginning as early as 2016.
How long will the Manchester run last?
The limited engagement runs three weeks, from September 21 through October 12, 2025.
What other shows have Lucie Jones starred in?
Lucie Jones, who leads as Jenna, previously appeared in “Les Misérables” and represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest.
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