The WHS Theater Department’s production of The Prom delivered everything you want from a school show: nonstop laughs, powerhouse vocals, great acting and a whole lot of “Zazz.”
If you weren’t in the WHS auditorium last Thursday, you likely heard about the performance the next day. The halls of WHS have been filled with people raving about the musical and its stellar performances.
The Prom, set in 2015, follows Emma Nolan, played by junior Avery McMeekan, a high school student in Indiana who is banned from bringing her girlfriend to the prom. When the school cancels the dance entirely, four Broadway actors — Barry Glickman played by freshman Gavin Salerno, Dee Dee Allen played by senior Kelsey Dix, Trent Oliver played by senior Kiran Patel and Angie Dickinson played by senior Valentina Ciucci — hope to turn the controversy into a PR stunt to revive their dying Broadway careers. Although their intentions are initially selfish, the group eventually develops a close connection with Emma, helping share her message and fight for change. WHS alumnus Matthew Sklar wrote the music for the original Broadway show and attended closing night.
From beginning to end, the show had the audience laughing. The washed-up Broadway actors brought humor that kept energy high the entire time. Patel stood out with his delivery of lines and comedic songs, like “Love Thy Neighbor” to try to convince the high schoolers to accept Emma. Salerno also blew the audience away with his comedy and solo, “Barry’s Going to Prom,” which was especially impressive, as he is only a freshman with the talent and stage presence of a senior. One thing is for sure: Salerno has set himself up for a tremendous future and career in WHS theater with this performance.
Another standout performance came from Dix, whose stunning vocals were at a professional level. Her voice filled the auditorium and brought power to the show’s biggest musical numbers. Despite her clear vocal talent and the show’s success, she said, “We don’t do anything for awards. A Paper Mill award or a Foxy award are just a bonus. All that matters is we put our best foot forward, and we put on the best performance we can, and when we’re proud of it, that’s the most rewarding feeling.”
One of the funniest moments came during the PTA meeting scene, when Salerno dramatically waved pride flags in the faces of the PTA, earning one of the biggest laughs of the show. The reaction of PTA president Mrs. Greene, played by senior Madeleine Smith, made the moment even better. Her acting was on point, playing the role of a homophobic mother frighteningly well.
While though the show was packed with comedy, it also had emotional depth. At the center of the story was McMeekan as Emma, who was completely one with her character. Her performance brought vulnerability and strength to the role, bringing Emma’s story to life. McMeekan also vocally delivered in the role. Because the story is about a small town’s homophobia, McMeekan said, “When you watch Emma’s story, how can you not sympathize?” McMeekan and senior Lily Erneta, who played Alyssa Greene, Emma’s secret girlfriend, harmonized perfectly and had great chemistry with an emotional relationship arc.
The musical displayed the talent of WHS students and what happens when the community comes together to support the arts. Each performer, who may be your classmate on any other day, transformed into their role and left the audience filled with joy. They brought the story to life, leaving the audience forever changed.