Review: The Prom Will Be a Night to Remember

Catchy songs, sparkles galore, and enough zazz to power Broadway. Put them together, and you’ve got Theatre Raleigh’s production of The Prom.

Left to right: Spanger, McMillan, Canaday, Franklin

Directed by Tim Sieb, The Prom tells the story of high school lesbian Emma Nolan (Ella Frederickson) and the homophobia she faces in her small Indiana town when she is banned from taking her girlfriend Alyssa (Lav Raman) to the prom. After Broadway has-beens Dee Dee Allen (Amy Spanger) and Barry Glickman (Josh Franklin) realize they are hated for their narcissistic ways, they team up with I-went-to-Juliard Trent (Daniel James Canaday) and doomed-to-be-in-the-ensemble Angie (Kate McMillan) to rally behind Emma in a desperate effort to improve their public image.

As soon as she opens her mouth, Frederickson will steal your heart. Putting her own spin on the character, she creates an Emma that is strong and confident from the get go. Effortlessly cool with her embroidered jackets and AC/DC t-shirt, Frederickson manages to strike a delicate balance between Emma’s tough exterior and her heart-wrenching desperation to be accepted for who she is. Her Act II number “Unruly Heart” resonates as an anthem of quiet strength and will bring tears to your eyes as she performs with an honest kindness and vulnerability. In an otherwise flashy production, Frederickson’s sweet voice and stripped down declaration of self expression is a moment of theatrical perfection.

As we watch the relationship between Emma and Alyssa unfold, you can’t help but root for them. The love between these two characters is authentic and tangible, thanks to Frederickson and Raman’s truly genuine connection, particularly in their number “Dance With You.” As Alyssa fights to discover who she is, Raman captures her pain and hope in her beautiful, heartbreaking number “Alyssa Greene.” She lets each line land with an intentional pause, punctuating the intensity of the moment as her anguish becomes visceral and raw.

Serving as a stark contrast to the intensity of high school, the four Broadway performers are completely and utterly clueless. And I do mean that in the best possible way. As they flit around like large, glittery birds, they are insufferable and annoying in an endearing sort of way. Right away, you will find yourself rooting for them to emerge from their sequin-encrusted Broadway bubble (although their numerous references and homages to Broadway’s past and present are truly delightful).

Tedd Szeto as Mr. Hawkins and Spanger (right)

Spanger steals the show as the selfish Dee Dee, bringing her impeccable comedic timing to the stage (Spanger has the crowd in the palm of her hand as she casually pulls not one, but two Tony Awards out of her purse in an effort to bribe the motel clerk in Indiana). Dee Dee may spend most of the show rambling on about narcissistic nonsense, but my goodness Spanger sounds incredible doing it, belting out songs like “It’s Not About Me” and “The Lady’s Improving” with such ferocity and pizazz you can’t help but root for her.

McMillan shines (both figuratively and literally, thanks to her bedazzled fishnet tights, glowing rainbow cape, and bejeweled earrings) as Chicago chorus girl Angie. McMillan effortlessly maneuvers between her role as loveable big sister figure to Emma and wannabe Broadway starlet, bringing that effortless, seductive Fosse style to everything she does. Her number “Zazz” is full of that famous razzle dazzle she sings about, and her chemistry with Frederickson is nothing short of adorable.

Franklin has his own kind of chemistry with Frederickson as Emma and Barry bond over not being accepted because of who they love. He manages to strike a balance between the fabulous flamboyant, over-the-top character we love to love while still bringing a grounded sense of authenticity to very real emotions. He finally gets a chance to show off in his number “Barry Is Going to Prom,” and his joy is contagious. You just can’t help smiling as he exudes a sort of fun, sparkly energy as bright as his purple sequined jacket.

In comparison to Barry's flashy energy, Trent is his own kind of fabulous. Canaday’s performance of “Love Thy Neighbor” is a rhythmic explosion of energy as he finds a way to be crass and snarky without being overly obnoxious. He’s managed to find the truth of the character, taking what has typically been a larger-than-life character and bringing a more grounded, relatable energy while keeping the integrity of the role.

This sort of relatability is carried throughout the production. This version of The Prom feels less campy than its predecessors and doesn’t try to overdo it with the theatrics. The intimate community setting offered by Theatre Raleigh, coupled with the impeccable talent from the cast and crew, allows audiences to connect with the characters in a more honest, joyful way that truly does leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling in this beautiful musical about love and acceptance.

That being said, costume designer Malissa Borden goes above and beyond the call of duty. The costumes become a character all their own, and make elaborate group numbers like “Tonight Belongs to You” and “It’s Time to Dance” even better, filling the room with incredible prom dresses and tuxedos full of ruffles and glitter and personality. Coupled with masterful choreography from Lisette Glodowski, the effect is nothing short of a visual feast (and often reminiscent of the passion, talent, and energy of Wicked’s “Dancing Through Life,” particularly during the promposal scene). Scenic designer Benedict Fancy, sound designer Carl “C.J.” Whitaker, lighting designer Christina L. Munich, and property designer Denise Schumaker round out the rest of the production’s technical elements.

With a laugh-out-loud book from Bob Martin, book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and musical direction from Joanna Li, The Prom will certainly be a night to remember.

The Prom contains strong language that may not be suitable for young audiences and will run at Theatre Raleigh through Sunday, August 13, 2023. Tickets can be purchased here.

All photos courtesy of Theatre Raleigh. Additional production photos can be found below.