With music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, concept by Jack Viertel, directed by Andrew Bevis, co-directed and choreographed by Nathan M. Wright, musical direction by Bev Kennedy, and proudly presented by Teatro in association with On Your Feet Australia, finally gracing the Australian stage is beloved musical, The Prom.
Admittedly, my knowledge of The Prom initially started not from its theatre beginnings, but from its 2020 movie musical adaptation of the same name starring Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman. I had wondered when the show would be staged in Australia. Sure enough, six years later, this musical has had its Australian premiere in Sydney.
For the uninitiated, the story follows four Broadway stars down on their luck. After receiving bad reviews of their previous theatre show, Dee Dee Allen (Caroline O’Connor), Barry Glickman (Brendan Monger), Angie Dickerson (Bella McSporran), and Trent Oliver (Thern Reynolds), are seeking to find a cause within their power to assist and obtain good press, so that they can help themselves. Selfish, I know, but they mean well.
Travelling to a conservative town, the four are humbled by how different things are, with the culture shock melting away quickly to reveal a narrow-minded, less accepting small town, mildly equipped with limited shopping outlets, a single suite-less hotel, consisting of what appears to be only one understanding adult, the school principal Mr. Hawkins (Scott Irwin), and a young high school student named Emma Nolan (Sophie Montague), who just wants to take her girlfriend Alyssa Greene (Paige Fallu) to the prom.
You may be wondering, ‘what’s wrong with that’? Well, according to the parent-teacher association, plenty. Unfortunately, the town is filled with homophobes and bigots, collectively trying to trample on a young girl’s romantic formal dreams. The Prom is fun, camp, and extremely believable.
Inspired by a true story back in 2010, young female student Constance McMillen, was banned from bringing her girlfriend to the prom and wearing a tuxedo. Ridiculous, right? McMillen never got her prom, but she got justice. In The Prom, Emma is lucky to have an unlikely community band around her, in what unveils to be one of the most endearing, awe inspiring and heartfelt musicals of the year.
Set Designer Nick Fry knocks it out of the park, taking inspiration from the musicals’ logo to create a mesmerising, multi-coloured and dazzling sequined backdrop, seamlessly shifting into a school hallway with pretty pastel student lockers that appear both nostalgic and whimsical, to an intimate hotel room with ease. Cornelia Cassimatis’ costumes accurately match and suit the vibes of each character, although I do adore Emma’s single sleeved ball gown the most. As well as Lighting Designer Roderick van Gelder, who expertly enriches this brave production with his magic touch.
The direction by Andrew Bevis and co-direction by Nathan M. Wright is faultless, plus the choreography also by Wright is stunning and had my jaw dropping on multiple occasions. It helps that this Australian premiere has the perfect casting.
Firstly, it was hard to keep your eyes off Kye Hall, who not only is mesmerising to watch dance, but he looks so stunning in his final outfit, it should be criminal! Abbey McPherson and Nina Hurley play excellent mean girls, Shelby and Kaylee respectively, alongside their partners Nick and Kevin played by Murray Cunynghame and Ewan Herdman.
Erin Bruce is authoritative and intimidating as Mrs. Greene the conservative parent-teacher association president, and resident antagonist, while her daughter Alyssa Greene, played by Paige Fallu, is sweet, shy, soft and could be mistaken for a Disney princess. Her chemistry with Sophie Montague’s is adorably endearing to witness, especially during their duet ‘Dance with You’.
Brad Green gives a solid performance as the voice of reason, Sheldon Saperstein, the witty yet rational Broadway publicist, navigating the narcissistic tendencies of his somewhat chaotic clients.
Stepping into the role of Angie Dickenson for the rest of the season is Bella McSporran who is effervescent and splendid, especially when they steal the show during the number ‘Zazz’ with Montague’s Emma. McSporran is so impressive in the role, it’s hard to believe they weren’t initially cast for the part because they’re that good!
Thern Reynolds is hilarious as Trent Oliver, the top graduate theatre school student who is now in between jobs, a relatable if not somewhat adorably insufferable character, Reynolds is fantastic. The way that he bounces off Brendan Monger’s Barry Glickman’s energy is great. The pair bicker like a married couple, more on Barry’s side than anything else. Monger’s on-stage chemistry is also wonderful with Sophie Montague’s Emma Nolan. Barry appears to be Angie’s anchor and fairy godmother (or godfather), and the pair make for an unlikely but wholesome friendship that is bound to tug at your heartstrings.
Sophie Montague is also breathtaking as Emma, with the character’s quiet strength and big heart that Montague plays flawlessly. Montague shines in ‘Just Breathe’ and ‘Unruly Heart’, their vocals are stunning, with Montague making the character their own.
Caroline O’Connor as Dee Dee Allen is a showstopping tour de force, especially during the number ‘The Lady’s Improving’, and just in case you forgot, O’Connor masterfully reminds you just how bloody phenomenal she is, and how just lucky you are to see her in her element. O’Connor being part of this production, originating the role for Australian audiences, is truly a gift. The best part is, you can clearly see that O’Connor is having just as much fun on stage as we are watching her slay.
The Prom is a moving coming-of-age story that celebrates all forms of love, with hope, understanding, and a little bit of growth, one prom at a time. Overall, the Australian premiere is solid, the perfect cast, the set is dazzling, impressive choreography, excellent directly, and the music and story will stay with you. Yes, it’s infuriating that the situation our heroes face in The Prom are very real, and happen more often than we’d like, but what is also very real is the hope that this heartwarming musical manifests and inspires long after the show is over.
The Prom is currently playing until April 26th at Teatro at the Italian Forum in Leichhardt, Sydney.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://teatroitalianforum.com.au/date/the-prom
https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artist/2737505?did=venue
https://www.instagram.com/teatroitalianforum
Photography by Robert Miniter.