The Prom
book by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
based on an original concept by Jack Viertel
Originally produced at Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, GA
August 18 to September 25, 2016
About the Premiere Production:
Synopsis: Emma becomes an instant outcast—and a national headline—when her high school cancels the prom rather than let her attend with her girlfriend. Sensing a chance to correct an injustice—and maybe get some good publicity along the way—a group of fading celebrities takes up the cause, and invades Emma's small Indiana town. But their bumbling attempts at social activism make the situation far worse than they—or Emma—could have ever imagined. Cultures clash and the town erupts in chaos. The community's reputation, Emma's future, and the actors' careers all hang in the balance, until a true hero emerges to save the day. Uproarious and ultimately uplifting, this new musical proves that standing up for yourself—and inspiring others to accept their differences—can make you the star you were always meant to be.
Artistic Statement: The incredible story and mass appeal of The Prom guarantees its long life on the American stage. In post-marriage-equality America, The Prom offers a hilarious yet unflinching look at the difficulties that still face many gay and lesbian members of our society, while fully celebrating their recent victory. School bullying, harassment, systemic civil rights violations, and the challenges of coming out and owning your identity are front and center in this play. But as the audience watches Emma navigate these challenges, what emerges is also a heart-warming coming of age story about falling in love for the first time and just being a teenager who wants a magical night at her high school prom. The Prom is also a play about the ongoing struggle to find your place and purpose in adult life. In the midst of our fading celebrities' bumbling and unwanted attempts to help Emma's situation is the story of older women and queer-identified individuals working to protect their hard won rights for a younger generation. We also see parents struggling to reconcile what they feel is right for their children with the momentum of history, and we witness the essential role of educators in our communities as we watch the careful attempts of the principal to bring a divided community together. A comedy about growing up and being grown, New York and the Midwest, identity and community change, The Prom has something for everyone.
Grant Statement: "Support from the Edgerton Foundation has allowed us to extend The Prom’s rehearsal period, enabling the creative team to make essential adjustments to the script and technical components of the play,” Mike Schleifer, managing director at Alliance Theatre. “During the Alliance's previous collaboration with Casey Nicholaw on Tuck Everlasting, the creative team made expert changes to the play during the preview period, and we expect the same level of rigor and skill for The Prom.”
Cast: Mary Antonini, Brooks Ashmanskas, Anna Grace Barlow, Courtenay Collins, Collins Conley, Demarius R. Copes, Keven Csolak, Shelby Finnie, Damon J. Gillespie, Sheldon Henry, Caitlin Kinnunen, Clayton Landley, Beth Leavel, Becca Lee, Chris Medlin, Martin Moran, Angie Schworer, Christopher Sieber, Brendon Stimson, Teddy Toye, and Michelle West.
Set Designer: Scott Pask
Lighting Designer: Kenneth Posner
Costume Designer:
Ann Roth, Matthew Pachtman
Sound Designer: Peter Hylenski
Musical Director and Conductor: Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Stage Manager: Holly Coombs
Orchestrations: Larry Hochman
Assoicate Director: Casey Hushion
Music and Dance Arrangements: Glen Kelly
Associate Choreographer: John MacInnis
Hair Design: Josh Marquette
Associate Music Director: Meg Zervoulis