Meryl Streep

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

Posted on 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. 

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

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:  Art in its luster in Boutcher Theatre’s multi-textured ‘Red’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Prepare to explore art from all angles.

There’s a moment in Boutcher Theatre’s Red that brings to mind a scene in the popular film, The Devil Wears Prada where Miranda Priestly is teaching her assistant a harsh yet valuable lesson about fashion.  Meryl Streep’s Priestly, who is loosely adapted from real life legendary and longstanding Vogue editor Anna Wintour, is tough and in some scenes intolerable, but her expert eye for fashion cannot be denied, even as she is hurling curt remarks and antagonistic slights.  In the scene, Priestly describes Anne Hathaway’s Andi’s blue sweater as not just blue nor lapis or turquoise, but cerulean representing an artistic and particular style of fashion. 

During an intense scene in Red which focuses on real life abstract impressionist and tough mentor Mark Rothko, Rothko, portrayed charismatically by Dan Kelly, is teaching his assistant, Chloe Olwell as Ken, about embracing art.   After Ken describes Rothko’s painting as red, Rothko urges Ken to ‘think more’ after an impassioned speech in which he suggests infusing magenta, crimson, burgundy, maroon and scarlet!  Rothko is rigid, arrogant, and mysterious, but knows art.  He urges Ken not to just see a painting, but to feel it, love it, and have it wash over you.

Chloe Olwell and Dan Kelly in Boutcher Theatre’s ‘Red ‘ Photo by Bradley Boutcher

Directed insightfully by Bradley Boutcher, Boutcher Theatre presents John Logan’s Red live and in person continuing at the Peabody Black Box Theatre in Peabody, Massachusetts through September 8.  The show delves into some adult themes including trauma.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Photo by Bradley Boutcher

Littered with open art supplies, splattered paint and half done canvases, Boutcher’s red hued scenic design with some pieces from Jessica Algard, creates an authentically sprawling and lived in studio including a cozy couch and a vintage record player playing mostly classical music and occasionally setting the mood within the scene especially notable when the studio is bathed in a haunting blue light.  With a mix of formal and paint splotched casual attire, Boutcher’s symbolic costume design with some pieces from Maureen Festa, demonstrates each character’s unique style while also blending into Algard’s scattered and colorful setting.

 Red is somewhat of an evolution as Rothko shares his artistic vision with his assistant who admires his work.  Rothko candidly shares endless stories on art, literature, and his journey to becoming a successful artist occasionally breaking the fourth wall.  He is currently working on an elaborate mural project for a hefty paycheck to be created for a ritzy New York City hotel.  Olwell’s Ken is much more than meets the eye when at first attempting to make a good impression wearing professional attire that Rothko barely notices.

Photo by Bradley Boutcher

Smoking real cigarettes, drinking, and on little sleep in a windowless room, Dan Kelly engagingly infuses a mix of pessimism, rueful, and heady enthusiasm into Rothko and Olwell is a thoughtful, practical and a force not to be underestimated.  They share a mentor and assistant relationship and at times worthy adversaries, but as subjects become more personal, there is almost a romantic spark to their increasingly incendiary exchanges as both begin to realize the complexity within each other’s artistic minds to unexpected results.

Chloe Olwell and Dan Kelly in Boutcher Theatre’s ‘Red’ Photo by Bradley Boutcher

Logan’s script offers interesting, imaginative and relatable angles in which to appreciate and experience art.  At one point, Kelly as Rothko muses, ‘Art is a risky act setting it out in the world.’  What does it really mean to be an artist and what is truly important setting your vision out into the world?   The answer may bring new insight into your experience with art as well.

  Directed insightfully by Bradley Boutcher, Boutcher Theatre presents John Logan’s Red live and in person continuing at the Peabody Black Box Theatre in Peabody, Massachusetts through September 8.  The show delves into some adult themes including trauma.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Sparkle and charm fuel Titusville Playhouse’s ‘The Prom’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Having been invited to The Prom for the second time this year, it seemed best to celebrate this time around in a frilly dress. It was especially appropriate catching a show while away on vacation and with Jordyn Linkous’s festive and glittery wig and costume design, it was easy to fit right in.

Innovatively directed and creatively staged by Niko Stamos with lighthearted choreography by Jordyn Linkous, Titusville Playhouse presents musical dramedy The Prom live and in person in Titusville, Florida through October 1.  This show contains some strobe lighting and special effects.  It runs two hours and 25 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Mandy Kerridge as Dee Dee Allen, Steven J. Heron as Barry Glickman and cast in ‘The Prom’ Photo credit to Titusville Playhouse

The Prom should sound a least a little familiar since its 2020 Netflix film adaptation debut with an abundance of its own star power including Meryl Streep as Dee Dee and James Corden as Barry.  Inspired by a true story, anxious Emma, depicted with self effacing humility by Delaney Sue McGough, invites a date to the Prom with none other than Myanell Enriquez as popular 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.  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.  The Prom delivers plenty of humor ranging from silly to satirical with a sincere and underlying message about helping others.

Mandy Kerridge as Dee Dee Allen and Delaney Sue McGough as Emma Nolan in ‘The Prom’ Photo credit to Titusville Playhouse

With extraordinary music direction by Spencer Crosswell, The Prom boasts strong vocals from an amiable cast.  Glamour takes center stage with Mandy Kerridge as Dee Dee Allan, a self absorbed and award-winning actress.   Kerridge’s impressive vocal range and wonderful belt is on full display for It’s Not About Me and The Lady’s Improving.  Along with Steven J. Heron as warm, lovable, and lauded actor Barry Glickman, Danny Sanchez as no nonsense PR rep Sheldon, Corey Evans as openhearted Trent, and Sarah Ruth Joyner as inspirational Angie Dickinson, these seemingly shallow thespians bring some humorous moments, but their real charm is exposed by the people they meet in this fish out of water production.

Lit with soft and cheerful multicolored lighting by Davis Vande Steeg , The Prom features a dynamic set design by Niko Stamos including a digital screen that transforms settings in an instant including the store front of a 711, a monster truck rally, and the glittering festivities of a Prom.  Some clever staging includes the transformation of an Applebee’s to a balcony seat during a beautiful rendition of We Look to You as well as veiled and translucent staging for the number, Tonight Belongs to You.

Steven J. Heron as Barry Glickman and the Executive and Artistic Director of the Titusville Playhouse and Delaney Sue McGough as Emma in ‘The Prom’ Photo credit to Titusville Playhouse

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.  McGough’s chiming vocals in forlorn yet earnest number Just Breathe is a compelling revelation while Holly Fuller’s tight lipped delivery proves fitting for tough and immutable 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.

Cast photo Photo credit to Titusville Playhouse

The Prom contains a wealth of welcome, inside Broadway humor and references as well as notable choreography including a sweet rendition of You Happened and the Fosse-inspired choreography of Zazz.  The Prom provides a message driven and sparkling escape to fun and frivolity if only temporarily from the realities of life.  

Titusville Playhouse presents The Prom live and in person in Titusville, Florida through October 1.  This show contains some strobe and special effects and runs two hours and 25 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

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

Posted on 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.