Last week, the Stevens Dramatic Society (SDS) presented their highly anticipated 2023 Spring Musical, The Prom, with performances held at the DeBaun Auditorium from March 30 to April 1.
Despite unforeseeable external obstacles that nearly made the show impossible to put on, the cast and crew pushed through to make their show’s run an overwhelming success. The sudden illness of Carly Teitelbaum (Dee Dee Allen) and Luke Magette (Nick) a week before the show led to the entire show being re-blocked with understudies as a precaution in case the two did not recover in time for opening night. Fortunately, the two recovered in time, and they were able to perform in their respective roles as planned. With the recent water main break disrupting a week of rehearsals, alongside an additional week off for spring break, the cast and crew had to work overtime to get everything show-ready in time for opening night.
The Prom revolves around a high school senior from Indiana, Emma Nolan played by Kiera Kennedy, a teenage lesbian who wishes to attend her school’s senior prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa Greene, played by Anusha Qaisar, as her plus one. Out of their homophobic rhetoric, their town quickly riots against the couple, ultimately leading to the entire prom being canceled. Four washed-up, narcissistic Broadway stars stumble upon this story on Twitter, and decide to take on this project for an “act of service” in an attempt to regain their lost humility and restore their reputation. The four, Dee Dee Allen, Barry Glickman (played by Corey Batchelder), Trent Oliver (played by Nicolas Re), and Angie Dickinson (played by Isabella Cruz), take the trip from New York City to Indiana, and have to unlearn a lot of their self-serving ways, while also aiding Emma. Even though their intentions were selfish, the Broadway stars end up helping this town to grow into an inclusive and welcoming space.
With show-stopping numbers including Teitelbaum’s energetic interpretation of “The Lady’s Improving,” and the hilariously executed songs, “The Acceptance Song” and “Love Thy Neighbor,” both led by Re, this show brought the audience through a whirlwind of emotions. Further, Kennedy’s powerful vocals and emotional performance brought the audience to tears as she sang the show’s signature songs, “Dance with You” alongside Qaisar, and “Unruly Heart.”
But it wasn’t just the lead actors who shone in this production. The ensemble cast provided energetic and entertaining performances throughout the show, particularly in the dance numbers. This show is extremely dance-heavy and pulls inspiration from a multitude of other Broadway shows such as Chicago with the song “Zazz,” and Evita with the song “It’s Not About Me.” The choreography was electric and complex, showing the true talent of the ensemble cast. This show was also supported by the rest of the cast: Kyle Castillo, Taylor Terry, Charles Beall, Rachel Germain, Hannah Goldschmidt, Luke Magette, Cameron Clifford, with the ensemble, Valerie Calligy, Brooke Delo, Leticia Gonzalez, Kai Goz, Nicholas Hite, Sofia Lopez, and Christopher Ocker.
Additionally, the high school-themed costumes, including some borrowed from the actors’ own closets, added an authentic touch. The live orchestra, primarily composed of students, was exceptional, handling the challenging score with ease. The Crew was led by Producer and Production Manager, Gab Poska, who also served as the Set Designer and Master Carpenter.
Overall, the SDS’s production of The Prom was a resounding success, showcasing the talents of its cast and crew and delivering a message of inclusivity and acceptance that resonated with the audience.
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