A revealing line in the musical “The Prom” hits powerfully in today’s perilous, anti-artistic zeitgeist. When told of an Indiana small town high school’s nonexistent drama program, a character replies, “Well, that explains your general lack of empathy.”
There is little doubt that characters in this healthy and affirming musical, now running in a sharp production at Foothill Music Theatre, who badger a young lesbian for the crime of wanting to dance with her partner at a high school rite of passage would benefit from some Shakespeare or Sondheim in their souls.
The production’s balance to find its heart alongside lots of belly laughs is owed to a story that teeters on being an inside joke among Broadway lovers without crossing that line. Broadway stars Barry Glickman (Andrew Ross) and Dee Dee Allen (Annmarie Macry) are reeling after their musical about Eleanor Roosevelt receives the riotous mother of putrid reviews. Before their show poster takes its place on the infamous Joe Allen Restaurant wall, they need to change their self-absorbed narrative.
Down the road in Indiana, Emma (Samantha Rich) has a closeted relationship with Alyssa (Madelyn Davis), so their prom represents a big night. Both girls plan to come out as a couple and simply dance together. That’s a no-no for the town’s hearty homophobic faction, including the head of the PTA and Alyssa’s mother Mrs. Greene (Sara K. Dean).
Once Barry and Dee Dee read the story, they’re able to get assistance from Juilliard grad and “Godspell” non-equity tour member Trent Oliver (Jason Mooney) and lifelong “Chicago” chorus girl Angie Dickinson (Michele Schroeder). The Godspellers are Indiana bound, so the city slickers have a ride to a world of “Apples and Bees” and spa-less motels.
Upon arrival, the stars learn the school’s progressive principal Mr. Hawkins (Thomas Times) is a massive Dee Dee/Broadway fan, ultimately challenging her to act for someone else’s benefit.
Director Milissa Carey has lots of talent to work with and exploits it mightily, assisted by Sarah Bylsma’s energetic choreography. That talent is led by Ross, a sumptuous performer with oodles of stage presence and the most buttery trills. Y. Sharon Peng’s costume designs add to the sumptuousness with loads of sparkle and sheen.
Matthew Sklar’s music and Chad Beguelin’s lyrics are awash in wit and variety, with the book by Beguelin and Bob Martin capturing both the profound laughs and confounding pain of epic societal failure that requires those who are gay to come out, while straight kids can simply live their lives. To that end, Times’ tender portrayal of the ally Hawkins provides critical advocacy for those who want a just world for Emma and Alyssa.
Macry’s veteran presence explodes Dee Dee’s narcissism, nailing the cackle-inducing in the ironic “It’s Not About Me,” a tune actually all about her. And the theater folks’ transition from seeking narrative-changing press to empathizing with Emma’s plight are lovely and hopeful.
Not everything in the production was fully seasoned as of opening night. Scene changes and some choral numbers struggled with tightening and blends, which improved in the second act. And the choice of placing performers behind set pieces during some of the necessary tender moments are unnecessary and distracting.
The production of such a fun and poignant piece is gratifying. In one of the best tunes in the show, the lyrics offer a simple, passionate plea, having zero to do with causing riots or blazing trails: “I just want to dance with you.”
It really is that simple, but the sad part is that it’s not. The hopeful part is that it can be.
“The Prom” runs through March 16 at the Lohman Theatre at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Tickets are $25-$44 at https://foothill.edu/theatre/The_Prom.html.
David John Chávez is chair of the American Theatre Critics Association and a two-time juror for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2022-23). @davidjchavez.bsky.social
