WHO ARE YOU ASKING TO THE PROM?
It may not be high school or college prom season just yet, but in the San Francisco Bay Area, at least three theatre companies have decided it’s time to dust off their corsages and take The Prom for a spin. And given the recent American political events that are changing life in the United States very quickly, the 2016 musical comedy—music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin—feels timelier than ever.
Rachel Rivera & Company
The story kicks off in 2010, when Emma (Samantha Rich, delivering a sweet and heartfelt performance) dreams of taking her girlfriend, Alyssa (a wonderfully nuanced Madelyn Davis-Haddad), to their high school prom. But in a town where tradition rules, that dream is met with resistance. Enter four washed-up Broadway performers—over-the-top actors Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman, pretentious Juilliard graduate Trent Oliver, and life-long chorus girl Angie Dickinson, all self-absorbed narcissists desperate for a cause that will make them look good. When they stumble upon Emma’s story, they rush in to “help”—with plenty of over-the-top flair and ulterior motives (the publicity alone!).
Thomas Times, Annmarie Macry, Madelyn Davis-Haddad,
Samantha Rich, Andrew Ross, Michele Schroeder & Company
There isn’t a wallflower in the cast. Annmarie Macry (Dee Dee), Andrew Ross (Barry), Michele Schroeder (Angie), and Jason Mooney (Trent) bring just the right mix of Broadway bravado and self-serving charm to their roles as the flamboyant, fame-hungry interlopers. Meanwhile, John Mannion steals every moment he’s on stage as Barry and Dee Dee’s publicist Sheldon Saperstein, dashing out with perfectly timed one-liners, only to return a minute later with another few words.
Crystal Gallardo, Jason Mooney & Company
Director Milissa Carey approaches this production with her signature enthusiasm and boundless energy, assembling a large, diverse, and talented cast to bring The Prom to life.
Costume designer Y. Sharon Peng has her hands full outfitting this colorful cast—though one suspects a few personal wardrobe pieces may have made cameo appearances. Musical director and keyboardist Debra Lambert leads a tight six-piece orchestra, tucked away upstage left, keeping the show’s 15 songs (plus reprises) moving with energy and precision.
Madelyn Davis-Haddad, Samantha Rich & Company
Yusuke Soi’s minimalistic scenic design relies on a few key elements—a lightweight bed, a prominent MY BODY, MY CHOICE sign that makes repeat appearances, a bright red-and-green MINI MART sign, several long gauzy-looking curtains pulled sideways, and, of course, a sparkly revolving ball to set the perfect prom-night mood.
With twists and turns more tangled than a plate of spaghetti, be prepared for a little whiplash before the final bow. The Prom delivers plenty of laughs, high-energy musical numbers, and a surprisingly heartfelt message about acceptance and self-worth. Now, where did I put that corsage?
Andrew Ross
photos by David Allen
The Prom
Foothill Music Theatre
Lohman Theatre
Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd. in Los Altos Hills (park in lot 8)
two hours including one 15-minute intermission
Thurs at 7:30; Fri & Sat at 8: Sun at 2
ends on March 16, 2025
for tickets ($22-$44), visit Foothill
