Photo by CE Noel Photography
Cam Lecocq and Briara Mckinnie celebrate at The Prom.
In 2010, a controversy erupted in the Itawamba County School District in Indiana. A lesbian student wanted to bring her girlfriend to the school prom and the school refused, choosing instead to cancel the prom for all students. A second prom was scheduled which was also canceled, a lawsuit was filed with the ACLU, a few celebrities got involved and then came worldwide attention.
The journey of this brave student and her fight for inclusion and acceptance in her small town was the inspiration for a new musical that opened on Broadway in 2018 and is currently playing at the Hoogland Center for the Arts as part of its education program. The Prom shines with equal parts good-old-fashioned musical comedy and modern day righteousness. It overflows with heart and humor, expressed buoyantly through a multitude of musical numbers and stellar performances all around, complete with an 11th-hour powerhouse number. And yet, amid the string lights and streamers, it speaks to us softly about some relatable heartaches and struggles.
The Prom (music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Bob Martin and Beguelin, based on an original concept by Jack Viertel) begins by introducing us to four eccentric and superficial New York actors (Carly Shank, Kenny Kendall, Lori Ann McCabe and Craig Williams II) who are either between jobs or just got panned after a scathing review of their latest flop. In an attempt to repair their reputations and prove they’re not deeply narcissistic, they seek out a cause, “preferably a low-risk injustice they can drive to.” A Twitter search brings up the story of Emma, an Indiana high schooler whose prom was canceled because she wanted to bring her girlfriend as her date. The actors seize on what they see as an opportunity to change lives and, at the same time, their own misfortunes. They board a Godspell tour bus for the town of Edgewater, Indiana, fully unprepared for how – and whose – lives will ultimately be impacted.
In Edgewater, we meet a confident Emma (Cam Lecocq) and the rest of the student and faculty population. Emma is bullied and ostracized by almost everyone as they cruelly mock her sexuality and blame her for prom being canceled. The only exceptions are a compassionate principal (Greg Donathan) and Emma’s anxious girlfriend, Alyssa (Briara Mckinnie), though she is still in the closet, fearing her mother’s reaction. The New York actors burst onto the scene to rally around Emma, initially (albeit hilariously) making matters worse. But this being an old-fashioned love story and musical comedy, all works out in the end, to life-affirming results.
Director and choreographer Anna Maisenbacher and the rest of her talented staff (assistant director Cory Blissett, co-choreographer Michellina McNaughton and vocal director Christie Lazarides) have assembled a spot-on, high-energy cast, whose members thoughtfully tell this courageous story of love, discovery and acceptance. I had the chance to chat with some of the actors about what the show means to them and what audiences can expect.
“If you tell a story about unconventional love,” said Carly Shank, who sizzles as actress Angie Dickinson, “it can be either the pain or the dramatic, risqué part, but what evolved here is more like watching a traditional love story. It’s crafted so well. We’re all seeking love – gender and sexual preference are irrelevant.”
As for what drew Cam Lecocq to the show, who excels in the role of Emma: “I was drawn to it after Fun Home (where she played Small Alison). I enjoy being able to see myself in a role. I like the idea of being able to do that for others, too – that they might see themselves in a character.”
Craig Williams, so funny and sweet as Barry Glickman, echoed this idea. “Playing a gay character is like paying it forward for those who have not had that opportunity before. Hopefully, it empowers someone else who sees it.” Barry’s impassioned appeal to Alyssa’s mom at the show’s climax is a testament to how telling these stories has the power do just that – move, motivate and empower.
Mckinnie admitted she didn’t initially have The Prom on her radar until Williams gave her a nudge one day, and she’s glad he did. So are we, as she is a joy to witness.
“I feel kinda close to Alyssa Green,” Mckinnie said. “I know what it feels like to not be your true self because of the expectations placed on you. (Alyssa’s) whole thing is she feels like she can’t be herself because of her mother. But she has to speak her truth at the end, and it’s important for people to see it.”