Jennifer Garner is BACK in the world of Jenna Rink, and this time she’s not just thirty, flirty, and thriving… she’s also producing. That’s right: Hollywood’s most lovable time traveler has officially signed on as executive producer of 13 Going on 30: The Musical. And yes, this means we’re one step closer to seeing a glittery slow-motion “Thriller” dance number on stage. Bless the theater gods.
Set to premiere in Fall 2025 at the Manchester Opera House (aka, where fairy dust and drama collide), this stage extravaganza will reimagine the iconic 2004 rom-com that taught us how to wish on dollhouses and avoid mean girls named Tom-Tom.
Lucie Jones, aka certified West End queen and vocal slayer, has landed the role of Jenna Rink—aka the girl who went from awkward teen to full-blown magazine editor faster than you can say “Matty’s dream house.” And Jennifer Garner? She is losing her actual mind in the best way.
“After more than 20 years, I still get to talk about Jenna Rink like it’s my day job,” Jennifer gushed, probably while clutching a tiny pink diary. “Who knew our quirky little movie would live long enough to become a full-blown musical? I’m geeking out!”
Honestly, same.
She also spilled the beans on Lucie’s performance:
“Lucie Jones is flirty and thriving as Jenna, the music is a total bop-fest, and all the teen angst is alive and kicking. I’m thrilled to be on board as executive producer and can’t wait for this magical ride!”
Translation: Lucie’s got the charisma, the glitter, and probably a stash of sparkly butterfly clips in her dressing room.
Even better, there’s already a sneak peek online of Lucie belting her face off to a song called “That Moment in Time.” (Spoiler: it’s giving Broadway ballad meets middle school diary entry, and it absolutely slaps.)
The musical will feature original tunes by songwriting duo Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary—the guys behind some seriously catchy earworms—and it’s being directed by Andy Fickman, who knows his way around a musical (and a dramatic spotlight). Meanwhile, the book is in the capable hands of Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, the same duo who wrote the film and clearly know how to turn teen awkwardness into box-office gold.
So yes, 13 Going on 30 is officially growing up… again. And this time, it’s wearing stage makeup and a bedazzled scrunchie.
