Last Sunday, a sold-out house enjoyed the final performance of The Prom at Sonoma Arts Live. The audience was taken in immediately by the cast’s electric energy. The show was thoroughly entertaining thanks to their fine acting, singing and dancing.
The play is based on the book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin (lyrics also by Beguelin and music by Matthew Sklar).
This production highlights the many talents of Jonathen Blue. His direction, choreography, singing and acting are extraordinary.
According to Blue, the story of The Prom “belongs to anyone who has ever felt ostracized, excluded or treated differently for what they believe or who they love.”
The plot is “loosely based” on a real person–Constance McMillen, a high school girl who was banned from bringing a female date to her prom in 2010.
McMillen’s story got nationwide attention; the ACLU sued the school district, and won a case on her behalf. Five years later, the idea for The Prom was conceived by playwright/producer Jack Viertel.
According to Newsweek, Viertel envisioned a play about “a girl in Indiana who wants to take her girlfriend to a prom and some failing actors come in to help—but they mess things up.” He called Martin and Beguelin with the concept and they “dove right in, creating a farcical show,” that won a Tony Award for Outstanding Musical (2019).
The first act is set backstage in a Broadway theater where four actors learn the play they are appearing in is closing immediately. Scathing reviews have labeled their performances “self-indulgent” and “narcissistic.”
In response to the criticism, they talk about how to redeem themselves in the public eye by getting involved in a “worthy” cause.
Many causes are brought up but the Prom controversy interests the group the most so they decide to go to Indiana and take a stand.
Daniela Innocenti Beem (Dee Dee), Jeremy Berrick (Trent), Tim Setzer (Barry) and Chelsea Smith (Angie) are spectacular playing the “out of town actors” trying to combat the town’s intolerance. Their performances are delightful and full of humor. They bring life to the play’s clever dialogue and fabulous song with stage presence off the charts!
Hannah Passanisi (as Emma, the student at the center of the storm), Pilar Gonzales (Emma’s girlfriend Alyssa), and Julia Holsworth (Alyssa’s uptight mother) are equally impressive in their roles.
Laurynn Malilay’s creative set design and Christina Howell’s outstanding music direction add much to the show. Kudos also to Maeve Smith (costume design), Levi Klouse (lighting) and Jaime Love (Producer) for making this a memorable show.
Coming up next at Sonoma Arts Live is Young Frankenstein, directed by Larry Williams, September 6-22.
