San Diego Musical Theatre Presents the Second Production of Their 2025 Season, The Prom
Now that I think about it, there is no better way to return to San Diego Theatre after a month off than with The Prom. When the times are uncertain and the hateful rhetoric is practically everywhere, these are the type of shows that remind you to believe and own yourself.
With book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin, and music by Matthew Sklar, the story takes place in an Indiana high school where the prom is about to happen. Emma (Kylie Stucki) is excited to bring her girlfriend Alyssa (Lyric Boothe) to the dance, but the parent committee, led by Mrs. Greene (Sandy Campbell), is not. Meanwhile, in New York, Broadway veterans Dee Dee Allen (Wendy Waddell) and Barry Glickman (Kürt Norby) are celebrating the opening night of Eleanor! The Eleanor Roosevelt Musical. A New York Times review changes the course of the production, having Dee Dee and Barry look for a cause to clear their names. When they hear about Emma, they trek to Indiana to take a stand alongside their colleagues, Angie (Juliet Fischer), Trent (Dan Mason), and PR extraordinaire, Sheldon (E.Y. Washington). Once at the school, the principal, Mr. Hawkins (Ron Christopher Jones), a hefty Broadway and Dee Dee fan, is excited, yet confused.
The bumpy adventure begins with disagreements, plenty of musical theatre, theatre references, love, healing, and truth.
Yes, she was the dance captain in Hello Dolly. Still, it is practically unbelievable that Kylie Stucki is finishing her fourth year at SDSU. She was delightful as Emma, with an incredible voice and mad dance skills, creating beautiful harmonies with Lyric Boothe as Alyssa, who was engaging and sweet. The Broadway quartet with their PR rep was an absolute hoot. Wendy Waddel taming yet another role and making it her own with charm and pizzazz. This year’s Craig Noel award recipient for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical Kürt Norby, showed star caliber in his delivery through intention, voice, and portrayal. Once a Rockette, always a Rockette, Juliet Fischer filled the stage with grace and delicate poise. Dan Mason embodied the working actor persona in Trent hilariously and accurately. The same goes for E.Y. Washington, as the star publicist, who is always finding a way, adding a lot of flair to Sheldon, and making it a joy to watch. Ron Christopher Jones adds to the show’s sweetness and message as Mr. Hawkins, not only being an ally, but also dotting the i’s and crossing those t’s with knowledge and sense.
Gerilyn Brault has proven a good eye for musicals. From participating and winning an award to directing them, the enormous effort of directing this company showed as each member performed to the fullest, showing, too, having fun onstage, which is an essential aspect for every production. Still, it is absolutely key for this one, and they delivered.
Xavier J. Bush put a packed, agile choreography that shook the theatre.
Michael Wogulis‘s set design for the high school and stage for Eleanor! as well as for the Prom itself, was bright and dynamic, making the audience appreciate the space. Hand in hand with Michelle Miles’s lighting, which showed heart, it brightened up those key moments and the performers’ solos. Chong Mi Land’s costume design went from pajamas to gowns, and there was no weak link in the wardrobe, as all were fitting and popping. Monique Hanson’s makeup design was natural for the students and dramatic for the celebrities, all just right and looking great.
A musical has so many things happening at once. Van Angelo’s musical direction is tight, and the beautiful music goes through, thanks to Jordan Gray’s sound and the performers’ vocals.
This production should not be missed. It has all the crucial ingredients: song, dance, flair, and, most importantly, joy.
For this production, the property master is Jennifer Jones Glor, production manager: Ron Christopher Jones; technical director: Rogelio Rosales; and Shirley Johnston is the
stage manager.
Other cast members include Cara Tafolla as Kaylee, Maya Efrat as Shelby, Adrian Oviedo as Nick, and Kaia Bugler as Kevin, with additional cast: Boston Antunez; Cameron Blankenship; Ryan Burtanog; Shelby Garza; Melissa Glasgow; Osvaldo Mendoza; Micah Nicholson; Moana Poyer; Moxie Rotter; Linsey Schreck; Laney Sprecco; Samantha Wass and Sasha Weiss.
The Prom is currently playing until June 1. For more information, please click here.
