This year’s musical, The Prom took place on March 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, at Perkiomen Valley Middle School East’s Auditorium.
The plot centers around Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman, two Broadway actors who hope to improve their public image by helping Emma, an Indiana teenager whose prom was canceled because of her request to bring her girlfriend as a date.
“My character is Dee Dee Allen,” said Victoria Hall, an actor in the musical. “She is a Tony award winning Broadway star, and she wants everyone to know it. She is definitely a narcissist, but in The Prom she learns how to become a better person.”
The musical was based off of a real-life incident of homophobia, in which a same-sex couple was barred from attending their high school’s prom. After the ACLU appealed to Itawamba County School District, the school district canceled their prom. Subsequently, two private proms were set up – one attended by seven people, including the same-sex couple, and a separate prom, meant to be a “real” prom excluding the couple.
Many among the cast were excited for opening night.
“There’s obviously ups and downs,” said Sam Decker, who plays Barry Glickman. “It’s tough taking criticism at times. But it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world when you can tell a show is coming together.”
Those in the stage crew were similarly elated.
“It’s been a lot of work,” said Ameena Mussie, stage crew manager. “But it’s been paying off.”