The company of Uptown Players’ ‘The Prom.’ (Courtesy photos)
Saturday night’s curtain speech by Uptown Players’ Craig Lynch expressed how the company’s current production embodies the company’s values: exploring themes of diversity, relationships, family, prejudice and values. No truer words. The Prom delivered on all that and more resulting in a magical experience of energetic dance numbers, upbeat and irreverent showtunes and fun, relatable characters.
Directed by Penny Ayn Maas with infectious energy, The Prom centers on four Broadway stars who descend upon a small Midwestern town for a cause célèbre to boost their credibility. Initially, it seems like shallow fun, but as they help Emma, a high school student who just wants to take her girlfriend to prom, the narrative evolves into a stirring musical. Maas maintained the show’s perpetually cheery vibe while still allowing for quieter, more tender moments.
Maya Michalski’s portrayal of the protagonist Emma was a standout performance. Their exceptional voice control and vocal runs were complemented by an empathetic and relatable portrayal of Emma. Michalski gradually revealed Emma’s inner strength as she gained confidence throughout the story which resulted in a beautiful and nuanced character arc.
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Presley Duyck effectively conveyed Alyssa’s inner conflict through subtle facial expressions and body language as Emma’s secret girlfiend, while Julia Rose Hartman delivered a hella convincing performance as Alyssa’s conservative and unwelcoming mother. David Lugo’s handsome and cool delivery of Principal Tom Hawkins brought the charming and collected character an added touch of humanity to the show amid a slew of over-the-top characters.
The casting of the four self-absorbed Broadway actors plus-one was pretty much five strokes of genius.
Trey Tolleson as Trent, a dimwitted Juilliard-trained actor, was comically pompous and self-assured, particularly for his key numbers “The Acceptance Song” and “Love Thy Neighbor.” Erin Bowman exuded a showgirl’s conviction as Angie Dickinson, a perpetual ensemble member of Chicago, who brought a leggy sex appeal to the character who strongly believed in the power of “Zazz.” Jason Robert Villareal brought adorable shine to the actors’ resourceful PR rep Sheldon.
BJ Cleveland’s talents were perfectly suited for the role of Barry Glickman, the overly confident Broadway star. Cleveland delivered a flashy performance that showcased his arsenal of showmanship skills. Still, he brought a touching and tender side to the character as Barry mentors Emma, sharing intimate scenes of connection with Michalski.
Cara Statham Serber as the narcissistic diva and self-declared gay icon Dee Dee Allen should make Serber herself an icon. Serber brought the “two-time Tony-winning” Broadway star to life with a deliciously funny take on the character. However, the chemistry between Serber and Lugo as their two characters developed a thing was sweet and sexy.
Music director Vonda K. Bowling and her eight-player orchestra delivered rich and layered music, enhancing the show’s big anthemic showtunes. Plus, under her direction, the actors delivered the right feels for the showtunes particularly Michalski who’s emotional renditions were astonishing. Choreographer Evor Wright’s intricate dance numbers were perfectly suited to the cast of student characters and the ensemble as a whole and always exciting to watch.
With its big uplifting numbers and simple but effective story, The Prom resonated even more profoundly when crafted by a company dedicated to celebrating queer stories. This Prom was a for sure, a great date night.
The production runs through July 28.
–Rich Lopez