Indiana | The Sleepless Critic

REVIEW: Wheelock Family Theatre’s ‘The Prom’ delivers humor and frivolity into an inspired true story

Posted on May 29 by The Sleepless Critic

This time I chose comfort over a frilly dress for this Prom.

Similar to Maureen Keiller’s diva-esque Dee Dee Allen, my prom style resembled Allen’s stylish jumpsuits. It is one of Zoë Sundra’s many festive, glittering and characteristic-defining costumes displayed in this production, especially highlighted by Janis Hudson as Angie in a sparkling and show shopping red dress. I felt like I fit right in.

Gary Thomas Ng*, Janis Hudson, Maureen Keiller*, Elias Robles, Davron S. Monroe* in Wheelock Family Theatre’s ‘The Prom’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

With lighthearted direction and occasionally sashaying choreography by Larry Sousa as well as upbeat Music Direction by Jordan Oczkowski, Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University rolls out the red carpet for musical comedy The Prom live and in person at Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through June 8. Wheelock Family Theatre boasts open captions that come in handy during the performance which runs two hours and 25 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Since The Prom premiered on Broadway in 2018, it was adapted into a Netflix film that boasted an abundance of its own star power including Meryl Streep as Dee Dee and James Corden as Barry. It has been brought to the stage locally over the last few years. Inspired by a true story, anxious Emma, earnestly portrayed by Siri Manju, invites a date to the Prom with none other than Annie Parrinello as popular perfectionist Alyssa, the daughter of the head of the Parent Teacher Association. However, their high school will not allow them to attend the prom together. Once a group of egocentric Broadway celebrities get wind of this human interest story, they decide to make a difference in this small Indiana town.

Annie Parrinello & Siri Manju in Wheelock Family Theatre’s ‘The Prom’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

The Prom is a satirical blend of inspired true story and over the top musical comedy set in New York as well as in Edgewater, Indiana. It delivers humorous moments ranging from silly to satirical with a sincere and underlying message about helping others.

The Prom boasts strong vocals from an amiable cast and lauded local talent. Maureen Keiller brings ego and attitude as Dee Dee Allan, a self absorbed award-winning actress. Keiller’s powerful belt is on full display for It’s Not About Me and The Lady’s Improving. Along with soaring vocals by Davron S. Monroe as warm and charismatic actor Barry Glickman, Gary Thomas NG as no nonsense and frazzled PR rep Sheldon, Elias Robles as openhearted Trent, and Janis Hudson as inspirational Angie Dickinson, these seemingly shallow thespians share some comical moments, but their real charm is exposed by the people they meet in this fish out of water production.

Lauren Velasco O’Donovan, Arabella Hardgrave & Ensemble in Wheelock Family Theatre’s ‘The Prom’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

SeifAllah Salotto-Cristobal’s soft and cheerful multicolored lighting cleverly divides high school and theatrical scenes by illuminating vintage stage lights for celebrity numbers. James Rotondo’s rolling and colorful set design are mainly set inside James Madison High School halls using some projections to transform settings from a 711 store front to a hotel to an Applebee’s.

David Jiles Jr.* & Maureen Keiller* in Wheelock Family Theatre’s ‘The Prom’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

The Prom deals with some serious topics including betrayal, but balances it well with the show’s overall optimistic tone. It is positive throughout, even in the face of Emma’s most difficult challenges. Siri Manju’s chiming vocals in the forlorn and self effacing number Just Breathe is a compelling revelation as well Manju’s sweet rendition of Unruly Heart while Jennifer Bubriski’s tight lipped delivery proves fitting for tough and controlling antagonist Mrs. Greene. Emma’s high school classmates are painted as shallow and insensitive and as far as storytelling, it might have been nice to have at least one of them sympathetic to Emma’s plight from the start.

Janis Hudson & Siri Manju in Wheelock Family Theatre’s ‘The Prom’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

The Prom contains a wealth of welcome, inside Broadway references as well as symbolic choreography during the pivotal number, Tonight Belongs to You and It’s Time to Dance reflecting how the tide turns during the production. Janis Hudson shines during the Fosse-inspired Zazz, an uplifting rendition delivering sparkle and encouragement. Manju shares a touching rapport with both Hudson and Monroe, sure to make you smile.

As David Jiles Jr. as serious, compassionate and theatre loving Principal Hawkins reflects, “A distraction is momentary. An escape helps you heal.” The Prom tells a complex and message driven story while also providing a temporary glittering escape from the realities of life.

The full cast and crew of ‘The Prom’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University rolls out the red carpet for musical dramedy The Prom live and in person at Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through June 8. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Plenty of glitz, humor, and charm in SpeakEasy Stage’s ‘The Prom’

Posted on May 24, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

It’s just so nice to be invited back to a Prom and not be the one in a frilly dress.

Though costume designer Miranda Kau Giurleo does bring all the glitz, glitter and glamour to this satirical blend of inspired true story and over the top musical comedy set in New York as well as in Edgewater, Indiana. SpeakEasy Stage Company’s The Prom delivers plenty of humor ranging from silly to parody to satirical not without its political ribbings with a sincere and underlying message about helping others.

Mary Callanan and Johnny Kuntz. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Featuring stellar and intricate choreography by Taavon Gamble and lightheartedly directed by Paul Daigneault, SpeakEasy Stage Company continues musical comedy The Prom through June 10 live and in person at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston Massachusetts. The show is two hours and 25 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

The Prom should sound a least a little familiar since its 2020 Netflix film adaptation debut with an abundance of its own star shine including Meryl Streep as Dee Dee and James Corden as Barry. Inspired by a true story, anxious Emma, depicted with self effacing and quiet optimism by Liesie Kelly, invites a date to the Prom with none other than Abriel Coleman as Alyssa, the daughter of the head of the Parent Teacher Association. Once a group of egocentric Broadway celebrities gets wind of this human interest story, they decide to make a difference in this small Indiana town.

Abriel Coleman (left) and Liesie Kelly. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Lit with soft and cheerful pastels by Karen Perlow, The Prom features a flashy and dynamic set design including checkered red carpet doubling for any high school setting. One of the stage highlights is a chameleon-like, glittering backdrop complete with shimmering disco ball and an onstage orchestra hidden behind a sports scoreboard.

From left: Lisa Yuen, Mary Callanan, Johnny Kuntz, and Jared Troilo. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

The Prom is helmed by a strong and exuberant cast with exceptional comedic timing. Dynamite duo Barry Glickman and Dee Dee, portrayed with pizzazz by Johnny Kuntz and Mary Callanan, deliver lots of laughs as seemingly shallow thespians, but their real charm is exposed by the people they meet in this fish out of water production. Their wild antics and Callanan’s fantastic belt are on spectacular display for fist pumping and humorous Changing Lives. Adorned with glamorous red hair, Callanan shines in the commanding and infectious solo It’s Not About Me and has lively and fun loving chemistry with Anthony Pires Jr as compassionate and forthright Mr. Hawkins. Pires Jr adds a shy charisma to the role and his scenes with Emma and Dee Dee are touching and memorable especially for the sweet solo, We Look to You.

From left: Amy Barker, Anthony Pires Jr., and Mary Callanan. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Meagan Lewis-Michelson as no nonsense PR rep Sheldon Saperstein and inspirational Lisa Yuen as Angie Dickenson both have their great comedic moments, but Jared Troilo is a bit of a scene stealer hatching outrageous theatrical schemes to unique pronunciations as aspiring actor Trent Oliver. Troilo’s character could have easily become obnoxious as the show progressed, but Troilo’s Trent remained endearing at every turn. Though Troilo is wonderful in every number, perhaps the cheeky Love Thy Neighbor is the most noteworthy fueled by surprising musical accompaniment and gospel influences.

The Prom deals with some serious topics including betrayal, but balances it well with the show’s overall optimistic tone. It is positive throughout, even in the face of Emma’s most difficult challenges. Liesie Kelly’s lovely Just Breathe mixes dry wit with Kelly’s mellifluous vocals and smiling eyes. Emma’s high school classmates are painted as shallow and insensitive and as far as storytelling, it might have been nice to have at least one of them sympathetic to Emma’s plight from the start.

Tori Heinlein (center) and the company. Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Boasting amazing choreography that not only is reminiscent of popular musicals Footloose and Hairspray, but The Prom contains a wealth of welcome, inside Broadway references. From a clapping and celebratory champagne dance to the Fosse-inspired choreography of Zazz to the intricate chorography of It’s Time to Dance, Gamble with Paul S. Katz’s music direction creates a complex yet sparkling escape to fun and frivolity if only temporarily from the realities of life.

SpeakEasy Stage Company continues musical comedy The Prom through June 10 live and in person at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: Currently on tour, Ice Dance International’s ‘In Flight: Live’ delivered a stylish farewell to the Skating Club of Boston

Posted on March 11, 2020 by The Sleepless Critic

The memories certainly flow after a century.

Ice Dance International’s Executive Artistic Director and choreographer Douglas Webster reflected wistfully as he introduced what was likely Ice Dance International’s final performance on The Skating Club of Boston’s ice rink on Saturday, February 29. With a 100-year reputation of bringing everything from amateur to Olympic skaters to the ice, The Skating Club of Boston has been sold and will move to a much larger facility in Norwood, Massachusetts. During the week of Ice Dance International’s historic performance in Boston, WGBH’s Open Studios’ star Jared Bowen interviewed Ice Dance International’s exemplary ice dancers at WGBH and took to the ice with them for a stunt or two.

01 -- IDI Tour Cast Photo David J Murray

ICE DANCE INTERNATIONAL “IN FLIGHT: LIVE” TOUR 2020 FULL Cast Front Row: Laura Seal, Klabera Komini, Lara Shelton, Douglas Webster, Alissa Czisny, Kseniya Ponomaryova; Back Row: Ian Lorello, Neill Shelton, Rohene Ward, Collin Brubaker Not pictured: Adam Kaplan Photo credit to David J. Murray, ClearEyePhoto.com

Ranging from searing romance to lighthearted fun to big band to catching the wind, Ice Dance International’s ‘In Flight: Live’ gave The Skating Club of Boston a proper send off with a sold out show at 1240 Soldiers Field Road in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ice Dance International, who holds residence at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, Massachusetts, is currently on a national tour through April 4. Click here for more information and tickets.

Neill Shelton and Kseniya Ponomaryova in ‘Till the End’ Choreographed by Douglas Webster

Ice Dancing is not competitive skating, but a unique artistic journey on ice. Not only did ‘In Flight’ feature captivating and extraordinary ice dancers that delivered more than their share of eye-popping stunts, but what was most impressive was how different each dance was from the other. Featuring dynamic choreography from Douglas Webster, Trey McIntyre, Stephanee Grosscup, and Benoit Richaud, Ice Dance International delivered a wide range of music from classical to contemporary including pop, hip hop, and ballads evoking stories of heartache, excitement, humor, and passion.

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Just a few of the highlights included a stirring couples skate from Collin Brubaker and Kseniya Ponomaryova called ‘Till the End’ to the haunting ballad, Kissing You by Des’ree. A passionate and bittersweet performance, the pair seemed to float upon the ice as Collin dipped, spun, and lifted Kseniya. They joined together as one before he must let go. Another elegant performance was delivered by Klabera Komini and Neill Shelton called ‘In Space’ choreographed by Douglas Webster with music by Tom Yorke called Suspirium. To a luminous, piano-infused melody with a deeper meaning, the dancers skillfully glided together connected only by a sheer purple scarf.

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Alissa Czisny and Rohene Ward delivered beautiful solo performances. Rohene was charming and humorous in a beard and suspenders in ‘Wind Dancer’ choreographed by Stephanee Grosscup while Alissa was a vision in blue skillfully keeping a precise, quick pace to Yo-Yo Ma’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major in ‘Primavera.’

Some lighter moments included a group skate with Collin Brubaker, Adam Kaplan, Ian Lorello, Laura Seal, and Lara Shelton to Ben Kweller and Parsonfield’s How It Should Be. In a dance appropriately called ‘A Blade of Sunshine,’ what looked like a freestyle, fun loving group skate in bright, rich colors culminated into a jaw dropping moment as one dancer dove underneath and through the group of moving dancers and landed on his feet. It’s only one example of the sensational stunts witnessed throughout the evening from daring lifts to high speed spins to impossible twists and turns.

Ice Dance International’s ‘In Flight: Live’ continues its 2020 national tour through Saturday, April 4, concluding in Aspen, Colorado. Click here for more information and tickets. For upcoming events and more, follow Ice Dance International on Facebook.