Behind three nights of stunning solos and complicated choreography was a group of talented individuals dedicated to the production of The Prom.
The theater department performed the musical The Prom on the nights of Nov. 16, 17, and 18. The two and a half hour performance mixed comedy, romance, and melodrama into entertaining musical numbers packed with emotion.
“I never get tired of watching [this show] because, I personally think, the songs and script are that good,” said Abby Nathan, upper school theater and musical director.
The Prom follows four struggling Broadway actors as they travel to the small town of Edgewater, Indiana in order to help high school student Emma Nolan go to prom with her girlfriend.
“This was such a wonderfully entertaining show while being just the right amount of political,” Nathan said.
As is expected with theater, there were several small technology and costume malfunctions onstage, but none were detrimental to the performance.
“Something will always go wrong and that’s live theater!” Nathan said. “It’s how we adjust in the moment and make it work.”
Nevertheless, members of the cast were still nervous in the days leading up to the performance.
“I’m terrified because all the shows are sold out and they’re selling standing room. So like a lot of people there,” said ninth grader Abby Popchuk.
Popchuk plays Dee Dee Allen in The Prom, one of the leading roles. While it’s a daunting character to play, there is a lot of encouragement as well.
“The cast is really supportive of everyone who’s nervous or anything,” Popchuk said.
Despite the many challenges that come with performing, all three nights were met with an enthusiastic audience that added to the vibrant atmosphere.
“It’s a give and take, so the audience really helps lend some energy to the performers,” Nathan said.
The cast and crew of The Prom had been preparing and practicing for this production since September, putting in hours of time after school to make sure the performance runs smoothly.
“It’s such a huge sacrifice, being in a show, and just endless gratitude to everyone involved,” Nathan said.