The cast of Uptown Players’ ‘The Prom’
Maya Michalski ready to deliver the queer joy of Uptown Players’ ‘The Prom’
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
rich@dallasvoice.com
Maya Michalski had to come back to Dallas from New York just to take a date to The Prom, and they are totally fine with that.
The actor plays Emma, the lesbian protagonist in Uptown Players’ newest production, The Prom. And for Michalski, the uplifting show is a testament to queer joy.
“It’s a simple story, but I remember being so excited that there was this happy lesbian story instead of this sad, soul-crushing queer story. The Prom is so refreshing — to see queer characters being happy and winning,” they said.
The Prom opens Friday, July 12-28 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater.
For the 20 year-old actor, The Prom not only offers a joyous vibe but also a safe space.
Maya Michalski
“It really humanizes this queer experience. No matter who you are, you find a character to relate to because they are written with such humanity,” they said. “But also, most of us had a prom experience — good or bad. This show is that safety where you can come have fun and go to the prom if you never did.”
The Prom, by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, with music by Matthew Sklar, follows the journey of a Midwestern lesbian high school student who wants to take her girlfriend to prom. Then the school’s conservative PTA board intervenes and ultimately cancels the event to avoid controversy.
Meanwhile, in search of some goodwill, a group of Broadway actors discover the controversy and descend upon her small town to help Emma fight for justice and inclusion — and some headlines.
The musical is directed by Penny Ayn Maas, with music direction by Vonda K. Bowling and choreography by Evor Wright.
“The Prom is more than just a feel-good musical; it’s a celebration of love, acceptance and the transformative power of standing up for what is right. Addressing timely themes of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, this production serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen and celebrated for who they are,” Uptown Players wrote in the show’s press release.
Michalski understands the need for safe queer spaces, particularly as a student. The North Texas-raised actor found that in their own school at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts.
“Most people were gay there, and, in many ways, it was celebrated. I had a very queer high school experience,” they said.
While her character may not have the same, that background gives Michalski an added layer to bring to Emma. They feel very connected to Emma, and finding the resilience and resistance in her is easy being that they were already nurtured in a supportive community.
“I’d say the character is me just set up in a slightly different situation,” Michalski said.
For Michalski, that high experience was invaluable to who they are now.
……………………….
The Prom
Written by: Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin
Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin
Music by: Matthew Sklar
Director: Penny Ayn Maas
Music director/Conductor: Vonda K. Bowling
Choreography: Evor Wright
Cast (in alphabetical order): Audrey Beyersdorfer, Erin Bowman, Henry Cawood, B.J. Cleveland, Sophie DeYoung, Presley Duyck, Stephanie Felton, Julia Rose Hartman, Sam Illum, Justin Konopka, Nick Leos, David Lugo, Joshua McLemore, Maya Michalski, Johanna Nchekwube, Reyna Sanchez, Cara Statham Serber, Carlos Strudwick, Sammy Swim, Trey Tolleson, Jason Robert Villarreal, Kelsey Jordan Ward, Gabriela Yarbrough
Costume Adaptation: Suzi Cranford
Hair, Makeup and Wig Designer: Michael B. Moore
Scenic Adaptation: Dennis Canright
Light Designer: Scott Guenther
Sound Designer: Brian Christensen
Properties Designer: Jane Quetin
Production Stage Manager: Lexi Salmon
Assistant Stage Managers: Noah Clark and Elissa Oeschler
Electrician: Noel Hawthorne
Performances: July 12-28 at the
Kalita Humphreys Theater.
UptownPlayers.org.
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“Being in queer spaces was so transformative. I feel like I understand myself very well,” they said. “And then to be surrounded by those who are also married and have kids and see them as real, full people, it made my queer experience something to not be scared of.”
Coincidentally, Michalski came out for the first time in a parking lot when she was working their first show with Uptown Players. They were cast in the Nunsense musical Nuncrackers at “about 15 or 16” years old.
As they tell it: “It’s a silly backstory with Uptown. It was me and a bunch of 40-year-old male nuns, and we were just all talking after rehearsals in the lot. Then, Mikey Abrams asked, ‘So Maya, any boyfriends?’ I had this internalized panic, and I just came out! Then right after, I had to wonder for a minute if I just really told the truth.”
Now based in New York, the actor returned to Uptown specifically for this show, fully lesbianized and rainbowed up.
“The last time I was there, I was such a shell without much confidence in who I am as a person and an actor,” they said. “Now it just feels like a Pride parade every day, and I am constantly lifted up by a group of insanely talented folks.”
Of the show, they added, “It’s cheesy and campy, but I want queer kids to see this and relate to these positive queer experiences like having a chosen family and working together. I shed a tear myself when I see Emma have that realization there are others like her because we’ve all had that — and it’s so beautiful.”
For tickets, visit UptownPlayers.org.