“The Prom” is for everyone — straight couples, same-sex couples, those attending in a group, those attending solo are all welcomed — as Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s joyful, often-poignant production proves.
In “The Prom,” which runs through Sunday, April 7, at Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Slow Burn cofounder Patrick Fitzwater’s crisp direction combined with Reynel Reynaldo’s exuberant choreography extract every ounce of humor — and it is a funny script — and compassion in a musical that touches on homophobia, the cult of celebrity, parenting issues, fear, teenage angst, empathy and the need for theater educators.
The story revolves around likable teenager Emma Nolan, whose request to bring her girlfriend to the senior prom ignites her small Indiana town. Mrs. Greene, the PTA head, and some of the parents are outraged. They insist they are not homophobic — yeah, don’t believe that — but instead cancel the prom rather than deal with one student’s request. Emma has an ally in the principal, Mr. Hawkins, who believes it’s a civil rights issue and begins to seek help from the state.
While Emma is at the heart of “The Prom,” the action actually begins with characters (award-winning actors) in New York. The actors, Barry Glickman and Dee Dee Allen, have just had their latest Broadway extravaganza close on opening night. (Oh, those nasty critics who lambasted “Eleanor!: The Eleanor Roosevelt Musical.” Somehow, that idea just didn’t work.)
Commiserating, the two are joined by Angie Dickinson, who’s been in the chorus of “Chicago” for more than 20 years but never got to play Roxie Hart. The trio becomes a quartet with actor Trent Oliver, who had a hit TV series back in the ’80s and is now a waiter. Almost as bad as having a show close, they are accused of being past their prime and too irrelevant. They also are accused of being too self-absorbed. (Dee Dee carries her Tony Awards in her purse.)
To bring good attention to themselves and show they are caring people, these divas seek a cause that will put them in the best spotlight possible.
BARRY: Well, we have to show the world that we’re not that.
DEE DEE: What, aging?
BARRY: No, narcissists! People who are in love with themselves.
DEE DEE: I still don’t understand what’s wrong with that.
BARRY: Wait a minute. I know how we can still love ourselves, but appear to be decent human beings. We’ll become celebrity activists!
They stumble on Emma’s situation and shuffle off to Indiana to plan a protest and a rally without any idea of what they are doing or if they truly are helping Emma.
Fitzwater has assembled a tight cast who take much delight in their roles.
It’s good to have the multitalented Margot Moreland back on stage after a couple of years’ absence. As Dee Dee, Moreland is the epitome of a diva who learns to be a bit more gracious to others. Moreland nails every song. Dee Dee may be insufferable, but Moreland’s winning personality makes the audience care about her character.
“The Prom” also marks Henry Gainza’s return to South Florida theater after a few years performing in Broadway shows. Gainza is appropriately over the top as Barry Glickman who finds Emma’s situation parallels his own as a teenager. His energy is wonderfully boundless.
Regina Brown is as likable as her character Emma Nolan, whose parents kicked her out when she told them she was a lesbian and who must keep secret the relationship with her girlfriend. Brown depicts with finesse this heavy load that Emma deals with while keeping herself well-grounded. Brown shows her strength as a singer in her solo “Just Breathe,” her heartbreaking duet with Alyssa (the lovely-voiced Sarah Lash) and especially the emotional “Unruly Heart.”
Lash shines in her angst-ridden song “Alyssa Greene,” about the pressure her controlling mother puts on her. Alyssa believes she wants her daughter to be perfect so maybe her husband will return.
Michael Hunsaker is a scene-stealer as the blowhard Trent Oliver, whose bout with fame and his Juilliard education rule his life. “Love Thy Neighbor” brings home the theme of acceptance in “The Prom,” and the need for a drama teacher at the high school.
Shannon Mullen is an arresting Angie Dickinson, especially in the song “Zazz,” with her high, high, high kicks.
A superb Chaz Rose (as Mr. Hawkins), recently seen as the mobster in Slow Burn’s “Sister Act,” has undeniable chemistry with Moreland. His “We Look to You” is a paean to why theater is more than entertainment.
Shelley Keelor’s Mrs. Greene is the villain of “The Prom” with her staunch stand against a same-sex couple, yet this actress also shows her character’s fears about being a single mother. Darius J. Manuel, who was a bumbling crook in Slow Burn’s “Sister Act,” uses his bright comic chops as publicist Sheldon Saperstein.
The Fort Lauderdale-based Slow Burn has a tradition of identifying young talent who grow with each role, often starting out in ensemble roles.
The high-energy dancing scenes show pure happiness, with much praise going to the young ensemble, choreographer Reynaldo and dance captain Emily Tarallo.
As usual, Rick Peña’s costumes are on point, with Timothy S. Dickey’s scenic design, Clifford Spulock’s lighting and Dan Donato’s sound enhancing “The Prom.”
Many cheers to Slow Burn for including a live band under the expertise of music director Ryan Crout. If only more theaters had the wisdom to hire live musicians instead of using tape.
The catchy score by Matthew Sklar (“Elf” and “The Wedding Singer”) and Chad Beguelin (“Elf” and “Aladdin”) veers from the humorous, with myriad referencing other musicals, to the touching and the emotionally wrenching. The score allows for characters to shine in their solos, often accompanied by ensemble members as background singers.
“The Prom” debuted on Broadway in 2018 and was nominated for multiple Tony Awards including best musical, eventually winning the Drama Desk Award for best musical. Having seen “The Prom” in its terrific Broadway production and rather average tour, we can safely say Slow Burn’s version sparkles.
A version of this review was published in floridatheateronstage.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “The Prom,” presented by Slow Burn Theatre Co.
WHEN: Through Sunday, April 7
WHERE: Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
COST: Tickets start at $54
INFORMATION: 954-462-0222; browardcenter.org; slowburntheatre.org
