Tantrum Theater presents its final mainstage performance of the season with “The Prom” and brings incredible choreography, costuming and comedy to the stage.
“The Prom” runs from Feb. 27 to March 8 with shows Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Forum Theater. Tickets are free to Ohio University students based on availability and $25 for non-students.
However, Tantrum Theater’s rendition of “The Prom” is worth seeing at any price. The talented cast brings fantastic performances that wow audiences.
The play centers on four washed-up Broadway actors who band together to try to advocate for a lesbian high school student who was banned from bringing her prom date.
Most of the actors are Ohio University students but professional actors unassociated with the school were cast to play the older Broadway stars. The choice greatly aids in the immersion of the play, as having older adults in the roles fits perfectly. It also makes the high schoolers and Broadway stars seem in completely different worlds.
Rebecca Eichenberger, the actor playing Dee Dee Allen, is a fantastic choice with incredible vocals. She wows in catchy songs like “Changing Lives,” “It’s Not About Me” and “The Lady’s Improving.”
The music is overall fantastic, and the cast completely nails the style of Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin’s original music. Every member of the cast has strong vocals with voices that work together seamlessly.
The musical is not an original piece from Tantrum Theater and was created by Beguelin and Bob Martin from an original concept by Jack Viertel. The musical is a semi-true story inspired by Constance McMillen, whose entire prom was cancelled in 2010 to avoid her bringing her girlfriend to prom. Emma, the lead character in “The Prom,” is based on this story and carries on the lived experience for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Zoe Zoller performs incredibly in her role as Emma, the high schooler who just wanted to have a prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa. The most emotional and heartwarming pieces of the play were felt through her and her story. Zoller’s tender singing during “Unruly Heart” made for a masterpiece that brought Emma’s character and struggles to life.
Tantrum Theater’s adaptation of “The Prom” has a fantastic way of bringing together satire and emotion. The upbeat, narcissistic and bubbly personalities of the ex-Broadway stars had the audience laughing at every joke while the uplifting and inspiring battle Emma and Alyssa face is incredibly moving. The blend made for a memorable experience.
“‘The Prom’ cleverly wields comedy as both shield and sword,” according to the note in the playbill from the Artistic and Producing Directors. “Its disarming humor and sharp wit cut through ignorance and bigotry.”
The message of the musical comes at a perfect time, spreading messages about the negativity hate brings and how the world can use a little more kindness. The song “Love Thy Neighbor,” performed by Reed Hickerson, makes this point clear in a hilarious yet profound piece.
Costuming is also stellar throughout the entire performance. The high schoolers’ wardrobe is incredibly accurate, and the Broadway actors’ are perfectly bedazzled and ridiculous. There was not a single scene where Broadway diva Dee Dee Allen was not sporting a glamorous, glittery pantsuit.
From realistic lockers to bedrooms, Tantrum Theater’s creative team perfected the sets for the performance. The backdrop wall was slightly confusing though, as it brandished a wall of brand logos that lit up. However, only a few of the many logos ever actually were mentioned or lit up, making it seem like a somewhat random choice.
The Prom marks the final mainstage performance from Tantrum Theater, nearly wrapping up their 2024-25 season. A workshop performance of “Unfamiliar Moon” will be held in May, however, to provide a close to the year’s activities. Next season will bring “Inherit The Wind,” “Hair,” and a workshop of a new play for audience members to see.
The theater is partnered with the local Court Street restaurant Mac Shack, allowing people who attend the performance to show their playbill at the establishment for 10% off.
