The Prom – Courtesy of Zach Rosing. Used with permission
Amidst ongoing culture wars, “The Prom, A Musical” offers a welcome escape with its endearing LGBTQ+ love story, set in red-state Indiana. Presented by Summer Stock Stage at the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University, the musical, with its themes of tolerance and acceptance, opened on Friday night and will close on June 8.
The Prom – 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 narcissistic Broadway actors, with downhill careers and self-serving motives, who travel to Edgewater, Indiana, to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to her high school prom by homophobic town residents. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2018, was later made into a film, produced and directed by Indianapolis native and Hollywood giant Ryan Murphy, and released by Netflix on December 11, 2020.
Filled with heart, the SSS production was adroitly directed by Artistic Director and founder Emily Ristine Holloway. It featured a strong cast, led by potent comedic performers. The four egomaniacal Broadway actors were played by Lanene Charters (Dee Dee Allen), Adam Shapiro (Barry Glickman), Alexandria Van Paris (Angie Dickinson), and Logan Mortier (Trent Oliver). Starring in the role of Emma, the bullied young woman seeking love, was Mai Caslowitz, alongside Ryan Artzberger as kindhearted Principal Hawkins, Megan Raymont as rigid PTA head Mrs. Greene, and her daughter Alyssa, Emma’s closeted love interest, played by Jocylon Evans.
Standout performances included Charters, a New York-based actor who came to Indy following a Broadway run in “Murder on the Orient Express.” She played the quintessential Broadway diva. She brought the house down in the showstopping number “The Lady’s Improving,” and Caslowitz, whose vocals in “Just Breathe” and throughout were distinctive.
The Prom – Courtesy of Zach Rosing. Used with permission
The remainder of the cast and ensemble shone during production numbers that sparkled with pizzazz as the performers danced, in near flawless unison, to Sean Aaron Carmon’s dazzling choreography. The show’s entire cast was impeccable as they expertly vocalized to the accompaniment of a Broadway-quality 16-piece orchestra, led by Music Director Mike Raunick.
Considering that Summer Stock Stage is professionally managed. It was no surprise that the show’s production values were of exceptional caliber. Contributing to the production’s high-caliber quality was its crack production team, consisting of Lighting Designer Michael Moffatt Sound Designer Zach Rosing, Set Designer Nick Kilgore, Costume Designer Allison Jones, and Production Designer Ben Dobler.
No doubt, the uplifting show opened some hearts and minds through its humor, pathos, the infectious quality of its music, clever lyrics, and its message of tolerance —all conveyed by emerging artists, who demonstrated sincerity and commitment to the material. Based on the response of an enthusiastic audience, the cast’s goal to inspire and entertain was certainly met.
For tickets and information about The Prom, which runs through June 8, visit summerstockstage.org
