By: Alyssa DiBenedetto, Clearview Regional High School, Mullica Hill
AUDUBON, N.J. — When’s the last time you saw middle-aged celebrities sporting t-shirts that say “We’re All Lesbians”? Most likely never, unless you’ve seen Audubon High School’s production of The Prom.
The Prom debuted on Broadway in 2018, with lyrics by Chad Beguelin and a script by Bob Martin, and was adapted into a Netflix movie in 2020. Revolving around themes of activism and LGBTQ+ acceptance, The Prom follows fading Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen, Barry Glickman, Angie Dickinson, and Trent Oliver who travel to Indiana to help lesbian student Emma Nolan who is banned from bringing her girlfriend to the prom. As she faces hateful backlash, Emma must choose to either overcome the injustice and follow her heart or succumb to the contrasting ideals of her town.
Audubon High School’s production was anchored by the golden delivery of comedic lines and supported by energy from the talented ensemble. Each member of the cast conveyed the overarching message of overcoming intolerance, while the main actors portrayed realistic emotions and excellent dynamics. The song and dance numbers, highlighted by the creative lighting and set design, had energy radiating from the stage.
Dee Dee Allen, played by Lilly Low, had an encapsulating stage presence and a beautiful belt that had the audience hanging on her every word. Lilly’s chemistry with her fellow actors, especially Mr. Hawkins (Aiden Myers) and Barry Glickman (Kyle Brown), was not only strong but perfectly captured Dee Dee’s development from narcissism to generosity. Emma Nolan, played by Emma Cochran, had an effortlessly smooth voice, especially in “Unruly Heart,” which showcased not just her talent but Emma’s acceptance of herself as well. Emma’s deliveries allowed the audience to empathize with her frustration and root for her as she fought to overcome injustice.
Kara Schofield, playing Angie Dickinson, had incredible diction, facials, and Fosse dancing that contributed to her exciting Roxie Hart “zazz.” Jacob Vogt, playing Trent Oliver, engaged the audience with an upbeat attitude and comedic delivery. Alyssa Greene, played by Abigail Bradshaw, showed realistic inner turmoil when it came to either conforming to her conservative mother’s ideals or choosing to love Emma unforgivingly. Nick (Connor Wendell) and Kevin (Donny Nguyen) brought comic relief with their hilarious jock personalities and back-and-forth dynamic. Dance Captain Adrianna DeValerio drew the audience’s eyes with consistent facial expressions and impressive acrobatics. Although the ensemble was at times quiet, their energy throughout “It’s Time To Dance” and “Love Thy Neighbor” was booming.
The technological aspects of this production complimented the energy and themes of the plot, especially with the lights by Leo Davis. The rose lighting during “It’s Not About Me” was fitting with the tango ambiance and the disco lighting in “Dance With You” supported the sweet hints of romance. The run crew was quick and efficient, assembling each scene perfectly under the stage management of Jackson Strong. The contrast between the darker, empty scene for the first prom and the bright decorations, costumes, and lights for the second prom supports the change from hatefulness to acceptance of LGBTQ+ people.
The show as a whole was full of talent, comedy, and a beautiful sense of togetherness that left a lasting impression on the audience. Audubon High School truly showed that, whether you’re an eccentric thespian or a teenage lesbian, unleashing your “Unruly Heart” can certainly “Change Lives.”
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