Theater Review: The Prom

If there’s ever a time when we need art and entertainment that will make you laugh, cry, and warm your heart, it’s now. The Prom fits the bill.

Broadway vets Barry Glickman (Brooks Ashmanskas) and Dee Dee Allen (Beth Leavel) are narcissist performers in a career slump. Their friend Angie (Angie Schworer), has been relegated to the chorus for decades; an old colleague, Trent Oliver (Christopher Sieber), is a cater-waiter-actor. In an effort to boost their careers and head back into the limelight, the four of them decide to take on a charitable (and newsworthy) cause to champion with the help of their publicist Sheldon Saperstein (Josh Lamon).

That cause is Emma (Caitlin Kinnunen). In a small town in Indiana, Emma has made waves by asking her (very secret) girlfriend, Alyssa Greene (Isabelle McCalla), to the prom. The parents, led by a vocal and pushy Mrs. Greene (Courtenay Collins), are outraged and want to cancel prom–only boys and girls can go to prom. The principal, Mr. Hawkins (Michael Potts), is in the process of advocating for Emma (who just wants the whole situation to just disappear) when the quartet of Broadway performers arrives, unwittingly wrecking havoc.

Slowly, they learn to put Emma first (one of the very delightful numbers is between Emma and Angie called “Zazz”). And Emma learns to stand up for herself. She won’t hide in the shadows (letting go of her very secret girlfriend who is too scared to come out) and allows herself shine. In the vein of much-beloved teen musical Dear Evan Hansen, once you believe in yourself, share with others, and realize you’re not alone, the world lights up.

Director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw expertly translates the book from Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin (based on an original concept by Jack Viertel) by lending his trademark touch on The Prom. He balances the silly and outrageous camp (so many inside Broadway jokes!) with sensitivity and tenderness with engaging dance numbers. The ensemble of actors is also key in pulling off this winning balance. There is not a bad performance among them. The most outstanding performance, though, belongs to Brooks Ashmanskas. His Barry begins as a big, bold personality, but, as The Prom progresses, exposes his inner vulnerability. “Barry is Going to Prom” is a joyous, incredibly lovely number.

Whether or not you’re a huge Broadway fan, you’ll enjoy the jokes, feel the love, and feel your heart grow warm watching this tale unfold. The Prom is this season’s must-see musical.

For more information on The Prom and tickets, click here.

Photo Credit: Deen van Meer