By Cari Lynn Pace
Sonoma Arts Live has another hit on its hands. Opening night was sold out with regular season patrons and an impressive number of young people eager to see a show centered on a teen rite of passage.
Artistic Director Jaime Love happily noted, “We’re attracting a younger crowd, which is so important in live theatre. It’s great to see them here.”
Act I begins as a troupe of aging, out-of-work Broadway actors derided for their narcissism, and their show has closed. They decide to prove the critics wrong. They must create a cause that’s easy, quick, and good for publicity. Social media reveals a teen gal excluded from her senior prom because she wants to bring her BFF as her date. Based on a 2010 lawsuit in Mississippi, the re-imagined story now takes place in Indiana.
The cosmopolitan NY actors descend unbidden into a small rural town. They take barbs at the local lack of culture. Daniela Innocenti Beem and Tim Setzer go over the top with eye-rolling sarcasm and soaring voices. These two are natural comedians and are ably assisted in mirth by the supporting cast, including a tipsy Chelsea Smith and a pontificating Jeremy Berrick.
“…over the top with … eye-rolling sarcasm.”
Emma, the lesbian teen solidly played by Hanna Passanisi, is not enthused with the hubbub the uninvited NY actors have created. She’d like to just dance at the prom with Alyssa, a role done with lovely charm by Pilar Gonzales, but the school and town cannot allow it.
Of note is that director and choreographer Jonathen Blue did an outstanding job behind the scenes and stepped in at the last minute to fill the principal role.
The Prom is peppered with actors’ inside jokes. This reviewer’s jaw hurt from laughing so much. Song lyrics are clever and often witty, sweet, or sarcastic, adding to the fun. This show concerns inclusion and exclusion and the wisdom we gain from knowing both. With a large cast of 22 energetic actors, both veterans and newbies, you may want to see it twice.
-30-
ASR Reviewer Cari Lynn Pace is a member of SFBATCC and writes theatre and lifestyle reviews. She is also the author of the real estate reference book “Don’t Shoot Me…I’m Just the Real Estate Agent!” Contact: pacereports100@gmail.com
| Production | The Prom |
|---|---|
| Music/Lyrics by | Chad Beguelin |
| Directed by | Jonathen Blue |
| Producing Company | Sonoma Arts Live |
| Production Dates | Thru July 28th |
| Production Address | Rotary Stage: Andrews Hall, Sonoma Community Center 276 E. Napa Street, Sonoma |
| Website | www.sonomaartslive.org |
| Telephone | 866-710-8942 |
| Tickets | $25 – $42 |
| Reviewer Score | Max in each category is 5/5 |
| Overall | 4.5/5 |
| Performance | 4.5/5 |
| Script | 4.5/5 |
| Stagecraft | 4.5/5 |
| Aisle Seat Review Pick? | YES! |