Cast of “The Prom” performing on stage (Kendra Murphy)
By Jessica Lynch
“The Prom” is a fun show with a deeper commentary on equality. Though the story is fictional, it draws from the experience of many teens across the country. Those in the LGBTQIA+ community are often discriminated against, and due to America’s current political landscape, this play is needed to raise awareness now more than ever.
Cape Cod Community College’s Performing Arts Program debuted “The Prom,” a theater production based on the book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, on April 10. Produced by Vana Trudeau and directed by Neil McGarry, “The Prom” features 4Cs students, faculty, alumni and guest artists.
“The Prom” follows Emma Nolan (Maureen O’Neill), a high school student who wants to bring her girlfriend, Alyssa Greene (Susanna Creel), to prom. Unfortunately, Emma’s hometown of Edgewater, Indiana does not support her plans, as many of the students attending her high school and their parents are homophobic. The PTA, led by Alyssa’s mother, Mrs. Greene (Catherine Macallister), pressures the school into canceling the prom.
The story makes its way onto social media, where it reaches four conceited Broadway stars looking to redeem themselves after feedback from their most recently flopped play comments on their narcissistic nature. Dee Dee Allen (Bonnie Fairbanks), Barry Glickman (Jack Martin), Trent Oliver (Robert O’Connor), Angie Dickenson (Rebecca Medeiros Terkelsen) and their press agent, Sheldon Saperstein (Patrick R. Preston), hit the road and head to Edgewater to fight for Emma’s right to bring her girlfriend to prom.
When they arrive, they find a sympathetic, hopeless principal, Mr. Hawkins (Patrick F. Preston), taking on Mrs. Greene and her close-minded PTA posse. The Broadway stars step in with the intensions to set things right.
Despite the serious themes and the homophobia depicted in the production, the show is overall very fun. Even just sitting in the audience, I was having a blast as I tapped my foot to the lively numbers put on by the Broadway singers.
Martin, who is a 4Cs student, dominates the stage with his portrayal of Barry. Every time he was on stage, I was left smiling due to his upbeat dance numbers and songs. The audience laughed along as he delivered his sassy lines.
O’Neill, also a 4Cs student, perfectly captures Emma’s emotions – such as her embarrassment when the Broadway stars make a fuss over her.
Faculty member Patrick F. Preston stands out as Mr. Hawkins. Preston’s singing is delightful, and he creates a lovable character who provides a breath of fresh air in an otherwise intolerant town.
You can catch “The Prom” through April 26 in the Tilden Arts Center. Shows run Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with additional matinees on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here: https://tildenartscenter.ludus.com/index.php?error=3
