VSMT, Villanova’s student-run musical theatre group, presented “The Prom” from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 at the Topper Theatre in the Mullen Center.
In an attempt to repair their frayed reputations, a group of eccentric Broadway performers travel to a conservative town in Indiana to assist a lesbian student who is prohibited from bringing her girlfriend to her high school prom. “The Prom” is based on an original concept by Jack Viertel.
University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., and theatre professor Peter A. Hillard, M.M., M.F.A., organized the “Broadway in Concert” event in early October, where the cast of “The Prom” performed two of the show’s songs: “Love Thy Neighbour” and “Dance With You.”
The musical opens with the Broadway stars bemoaning their decline in popularity and receiving negative reviews from critics. They decide that the only way to preserve their reputations is to dispel the notion that they are narcissistic by helping Emma, a student they found online who is prohibited from attending prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa. “Dance With You” and other charming duets about first loves were featured in the show along with upbeat dance routines. With glitzy costumes and promposals, the entire ambiance evoked memories of preparing for a high school prom.
The story also addresses several other important topics. Songs like “Love Thy Neighbour” and “Alyssa Greene” depict the identity crisis that can arise from controlling parents and the misuse of religious convictions to make unfair judgments, respectively. It is an unpleasant fact that powerful people, such as celebrities, frequently use charity and service to improve their public image. Some of these themes persist today, and the actors do everything they can to challenge them.
By the end, the Broadway stars gain self-awareness and realize that the best way to support Emma is to help her tap into her inner strength. Deep exchanges between the stars and Emma, together with a strong, feisty solo like “Zazz” performed by incredibly gifted sophomore Amelia Simons, give Emma the confidence to open up and share her experience. Emma’s solo “Unruly Heart” captures the sensation of falling in love and the realization that these emotions are important, even when others may not share them. With the people who shunned Emma in high school now standing up for her and opposing injustice, this song reverses the flow of negative ideas and provides a touching conclusion to the tale.
The cast and crew members gave their all to “The Prom,” captivating the audience throughout and ensuring they left with a renewed sense of optimism. VSMT’s efforts have not gone unappreciated.
“I saw ‘The Prom’ this Saturday, and it was amazing,” sophomore Grace LaFond said. “My friend was in it, and it was so fantastic to see all the hard work she has been putting in paid off. I can’t wait to see VSMT’s next musical.”
The talented cast and crew of The Prom told an uplifting story about first love, inclusion and bravery. Those who missed “The Prom” can see VSMT’s next production, 13: The Musical, starting on Nov. 12. Tickets can be purchased on the Mullen Center’s website.
