Photo, Random Farms Kids Theater Heather Nolting of Wood-Ridge will be performing in “13,” Dec. 18-20.

By Alexis Tarrazi / Senior Reporter

WOOD-RIDGE (Dec. 10, 2009) — Performing since the age of two, Wood-Ridge native Heather Nolting is a natural at stepping into the spotlight. Showing off her talents, the 15-year-old will take to the stage in Jason Robert Brown’s “13” at Tarrytown Music Hall, Dec. 18-20.

“I saw this show on Broadway last year and I loved it,” Nolting said. “I really wanted to be in it, so I auditioned for it this year.”

This will be one of the first local productions of the musical and features an all-teen cast and band from the tri-state area.

Written by Tony-Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (“Parade,” “The Last Five Years,” “Songs For A New World”), “13” is a high-energy musical about a kid that moves to a new school where he tries to fit in with the “cool” crowd. He ends up ditching his older friends who aren’t “cool” because he wants the popular kids to come to his party.

In the end, he realizes that popularity and friendship shouldn’t affect each other.

The rock score will be performed by Nolting, a Wood-Ridge High School ninth-grader, and members of The Edge, a Random Farms Kids Theater (a theater company for teens).

“I am just an ensemble member in the play, but it’s just amazing to be a part of it,” she said. “Even though I am not a lead, it’s just a good experience.”

Nolting started her dancing career with Edie’s Dance Factory in Wood-Ridge. She has also performed in many recitals. A competitive dancer, Nolting knows ballet, jazz, modern, point and more.

“She’s been on stage her whole life,” said Heather’s mother, Deborah. “It’s wonderful to see her on stage.”

Keeping up with the rehearsals, which are twice a week, Nolting takes vocal lessons at Broadway Bound in Lyndhurst and acting workshops.

She is also starring in February 2010 in Random Farm’s “Beauty and the Beast” as a silly girl, where she follows around Gaston.

Additionally, Nolting has auditioned for a part in the Wood-Ridge High School’s play, “Cinderella.” She is hoping for a stepsister part.

“I just like to be mean because its fun,” Nolting said. “But I am not mean in real life.”

Performances for “13” are Friday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. The theater is located at 13 Main St. in Tarrytown.

Tickets for “13” are $16 (children/seniors) and $18 (adults). To reserve seats, go to www.tarrytownmusichall.org or call 877-840-0457. Tickets will also be available at the door. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information, visit The Random Farms Kids Theater’s Web site at www.randomfarms.com.