13: THE MUSICAL is premiering on Netflix on August 12th, directed by Tamra Davis and based on the popular Broadway Musical "13" by Jason Robert Brown. 13: THE MUSICAL is a coming-of-age journey through the unforgettable ups and downs of preteen life.
In an interview with talented newcomer Jonathan Lengel, who plays Archie, we get a first look into this anticipated movie adaption and how his role of a Disabled teen is portrayed authentically.
The cast of 13: THE MUSICAL
Lengel has been singing, acting and playing the piano since he can remember. Lengel says, "I was always very musically inclined from a young age. And I think it was my kindergarten teacher who told my parents to find some theatre camp for me because I was always doing voice impersonations and singing all these songs, and we were getting nothing done in class. Theatre camps turned into local theatre productions, competitive courses, and improv troupes. And, when I perform, I feel strong and energized, and I become this person that is empowered."
Lengel mentioned in his audition tape that he was " born to play Archie." After not hearing back from the audition tape that he sent off for nearly six months, he was starting to lose hope, but then suddenly, he received the call and proceeded to go through multiple rounds of auditions. Lengel mentions, "I think it was the second to last round of auditions where I had to sing, “Tell Her” by Jason Robert Brown in front of Jason Robert Brown himself, and that was pretty intimidating, as a vocalist and a musician. And when I was done performing, he told me that he could feel my joy when I was performing. It is something that I'll never forget. I got so emotional after I ended the call. During the last audition, the director [Tamra Davis] looked at us and said, ‘look around because you're the cast of "13".’ It was so surreal. I was pinching myself. It really is a dream come true."
Lengel didn't see any children that looked like him in films, on tv or in musicals when he was growing up. He says, "I know other kids who use wheelchairs who are going to see me, and see themselves in this [film], and they're going to feel just as empowered as I was when I was cast for this role. I didn't think that all of this was possible until the night that I saw Ali Stroker won the Tony Award for Oklahoma. I finally thought it was about time that the world changes. We're finally starting to get some representation. I'm so proud and happy that I was authentically cast in this project."
Netflix was prepared for casting authentically. Lengel mentioned, "I had everything I needed on set, and they ensured that I was going where everyone else was going. Kudos to Netflix."
Lengel brings charisma, charm and a sense of humour to the role. Lengel compares himself to Archie, "We're both funny and confident. He's a boy who lives with Muscular Dystrophy, but he sometimes tends to joke about his life circumstances, which I also do. And he can also be easily swayed by his other friends in the group to do not-so-intelligent things just to get what he wants. And I feel like that's a lot like me in real life. I want what I want, and I'll do what I need to get it."
Lengel's advice to those wanting to follow his lead would be to "know that not everyone is going to be accepting. I know I've had good experiences and bad experiences, but if you work hard, focus on your gifts and talents, and love what you do, that will translate. And it's like Walt Disney says, "If you can dream it, you can do it." And I'm living the dream," says Lengel.
