The cast of The Prom – Courtesy of Zach Rosing. Used with permission.
At a time when the contentious culture wars that rage in this country couldn’t be more decisive, there is no better vehicle than “The Prom, A Musical” to lighten things up with a hilarious, yet pathos laden, LGTBQIA2S+ love story, set in red state Indiana. Presented by Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, at the Center for the Performing Arts, the production, which opened Friday night, runs October 21.
Top L-R Evan Wallace, Chad Leitschuh, Marni Lemons and Bottom Nikayla Koharchik – Courtesy of Zach Rosing. Used with permission.
With music by Matthew Skylar, lyrics by Chad Bequelin and book by Bob Martin and Bequelin, “The Prom,” is based on an original concept by Jack Varvel. The story follows four self-absorbed Broadway actors, with waning careers and self-serving motives, who make their way to Edgewater, Indiana to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to her high school prom by prejudiced townspeople. The musical, that premiered on Broadway in 2018, was made into a film, produced and directed by Indianapolis native and Hollywood giant Ryan Murphy, and released by Netflix on December 11, 2020.
Fun and frothy, and filled with heart, the Civic production was adeptly directed by Executive Artistic Director Michale J. Lasley. It featured a cast, led by superb comedic performers, playing the four Broadway egotistical actors, that included Marni Lemons (Dee Dee Allen), Chad Leitschuh (Barry Glickman), Mikayla Koharchik (Angie Dickinson), and Evan Wallace (Trent Oliver). Starring in the role of Emma, the bullied young woman seeking love was Kelsey McDaniel, alongside Rex Wolfley as kindhearted Principal Hawkins, Marlana Haig as rigid PTA head Mrs. Greene, and her daughter Alyssa, Emma’s closeted love interest, played by Kaylee-Johnson Bradley.
L-R Kaylee Johnson-Bradley & Kelsey McDaniel – Courtesy of Zach Rosing. Used with permission.
Standout performances included Lemon, one of Indy’s most venerated and enduring performers, as the quintessential Broadway diva, in her showstopping number “The Lady’s Improving.” Also impressive was golden-throated Wolfley in the poignant “We Look to you,” and McDaniel whose appealing vocals in “Just Breathe” were distinctive, as was the showmanship she displayed in her delightful duet with Koharchik in “Jazz.” Crowd favorites also included “Barry’s Going to Prom,” with Leitschuh in a solo and Wallace with the ensemble in “Love Thy Neighbor.”
The remainder of the cast and ensemble, shined during production numbers that sparkled with energy and pizzaz as the performers danced, in flawless unison, to Anne Beck’s dazzling choreography. Under the direction of musical director Brent E. Marty, the show’s entire cast were impeccable as they expertly vocalized to the accompaniment of a Broadway-quality 19-piece orchestra, conducted by Matthew Konrad Tippel.
Considering that Civic is professionally managed. it was no surprise that the shows production values were of exceptional caliber. Contributing to the production’s top-tier quality was its crack creative team consisting of lighting designer Ryan Koharchik, sound designer Michael J. Lasley, costume designer Addrienne Conces and hair/wig designer Drew Bryson. The sets were based on the original scenic design of Scott Pask.
Aware of the Civic Theatre demographic and any potential backlash over content that some might consider daring, director Lasley, in his program note implored the audience “to be curious, not judgmental.” He also emphasized that “The Prom” is “A celebration of love, acceptance and the indomitable spirit of youth.” Hopefully, the show will, in fact, open hearts and minds through its satirical humor, its infectious music with clever lyrics. and a message of tolerance passionately delivered by committed, sincere artists who give it their all to amuse and entertain.
For tickets and information about ‘The Prom,” visit thecenterpresents.org.
