By Joanie Cox-Henry
Photo By Larry Marano
The Prom at Slow Burn Theatre Co. will give you at least a dozen reasons why "Tonight Belongs To You." The musical, which was also adpated in to a film for Netflix, is a charming mixture of glitter, laughter and tears and offers the true meaning of self-acceptance.
Emma Nolan, brilliantly played by actress Regina Brown, wants to go to prom like every other teenage girl in her class. However, the PTA in the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana, is hellbent on doing anything they can to prevent Emma from taking her girlfriend, Alyssa Greene, portrayed by Sara Lash to prom.
Brown and Lash have an undeniable on-stage chemistry from the start.
After Emma is barred by her high school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) from taking her same-sex partner to the prom, she files a discrimination case in court with the support of the school’s principal, Mr. Hawkins.
Once the controversy hits various news outlets, a cast of fading Broadway stars decides to take up Emma's cause and help her fight for her right to party. This vibrant cast of characters is like a kaleidoscope of Lisa Frank's neon-coated wonderment meets the hilarity of The Birdcage.
I instantly got obsessed with the Broadway Bunch: Dee Dee (Margot Moreland), Barry (Henry Gainza), Angie (Shannon Mullen), and Trent (Michael Hunsaker). They flawlessly played off one another as they land in this tiny town determined to make a difference while trying not lose their minds trading Saks Fifth Avenue for Walmart and Michelin Star eateries for Applebee's which Dee Dee affectionately calls "Apples and Bees." Gainza is magnificent in the role of Barry as he step-ball-changes Emma's entire look and people's minds and hearts with his showstopping performance.
In the midst of trying to secure justice for Emma's cause, Dee Dee develops a relationship with Mr. Hawkins played by Chaz Rose. It turns out the character of Hawkins had been a secret fan of Dee Dee's for years and was a true fan of Broadway. He delivered the powerful line "A distraction is momentary. An escape helps you heal" when he was explaining to Dee Dee how her performances helped him through his darkest days.
The Prom is truly a vibrant and heartfelt triumph, showcasing a perfect blend of humor, empathy, and dazzling performances that captivate from the opening number to the final curtain. This production shows how the power of theater can be creatively used tackle contemporary issues with both grace and a sense of fun, making it a must-see for audiences.
The narrative is executed with a perfect balance of satire and sincerity. Each actor embodies their character with depth and nuance, bringing out the complexities and vulnerabilities in a way that feels both genuine and profoundly moving. The interaction among the cast members is electric, creating moments of joy and empathy that feel incredibly real. After all, this is real.
The score is vibrant and catchy, with numbers that range from uproarious group performances to soul-stirring solos. Slowburn's set design is commendable too, and the sparkly costumes are a feast for the eyes, brilliantly capturing the essence of each character while adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the show.
Slowburn's production of The Prom is an exuberant celebration of love, acceptance, and the transformative essence of theater. It is a reminder of the joy and inclusivity that can be found when people come together. If you were thinking about going to The Prom, don't miss your opportunity to attend! Never miss the chance to dance or celebrate romance.
The Prom presented by Slow Burn Theatre Co. runs through Sunday, April 7
at Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $54. Call 954-462-0222 or visit browardcenter.org; slowburntheatre.org
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