The Prom - Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

 The Chanhassen Dinner theatre has been producing shows since October of 1968. In those years, looking at the list of shows that have played the Main Stage, there is a lot of Rodgers and Hammerstein, all the classics done multiple times. Some of them, like A Chorus Line (1986) or The Producers (2008), have had gay characters, and some have had queer themes - Hairspray (2011), or a queer/camp outlooks like Xanadu (2012), or Mamma Mia! (2019). The Prom, which opened last night to an audience that was thoroughly enjoying themselves, is the first Main Stage show that features queer characters, themes, and has a bit of a campy outlook. It was, in a word, fabulous!

The musical first played Atlanta in 2016, then hit Broadway in 2018. It was nominated for six Tony Awards, and made a big impact on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for being the first LGBTQ kiss in the parade's broadcast history. Since then it was made into a film for Netflix with a cast that included Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, and others. That was where I first saw the show and honestly I was not that impressed. What a difference it is seeing it live and in person. 

The production I saw last night was funny, heartwarming, full of big characters, big voices, and some really great songs. The stage had two levels set center, with a lot of moving pieces. The band, let by Andy Kust, was behind a scrim, elevated above the stage. The scrim has a space design on it, with stars that glittered - and the reason behind it became clear in Act Two. Also on stage was a cherry tree, which also became a big part of Act Two. All the other set pieces easily and smoothly moved one and off the stage. While all of the set dressing was great, the key to this production was the incredible cast.

The story starts with a group of adults who could be nicknamed the Fab 4. They are performers from Broadway who get hit with a bad review and some bad personal notices. Dee Dee Allen (Jodi Carmeli), Barry Glickman (Tod Petersen), Angie Dickinson (Helen Anker), and Trent Oliver (Shad Hanley) decide that they, along with publicist Sheldon Saperstein (Jay Albright) need to find a cause to help redeem them. Angie sees a story on twitter about a lesbian girl in Indiana who wants to take her girlfriend to the prom, but the PTA cancels the prom instead. The Fab 4 decide to descend to Indiana and make a scene, in hopes of showing that they care about what is going on, and getting their names back in the good graces of New York society and publicity. In the meantime, we meet Emma (Monty Hays) who is the girl in question. She wants to take Alyssa Greene (Maya Richardson) to the prom, but Alyssa isn't out yet, and now the prom is cancelled and Emma is being blamed by everyone in the school...well, almost everyone. She has support from Principal Hawkins (JoeNathan Thomas). Through out Act One we see how quickly things head downhill, while Act Two provides redemption for the majority of the characters. 

It is a classical musical comedy with some quirky aspects. The story is moving, the music is great, and the two young leads - Monty and Maya are incredible! They have such powerful voices, know how to use them, and also how to blend them in the duets they have together. Both performers have an energy that works very well with the other. The adult leads - the Fab 4, along with the Principal, are also fantastic. Their journey is clear, and you can see the changes that this experience makes on the characters. All of these characters are being supported by such a hard working ensemble! So many changes from High School students, to some adult roles, to a traveling cast of Godspell - all with great energy, and voices, and dancing skills. It was just a truly joyful night at the theatre!

About the Chanhassen - it is a dinner theatre so expect to spend time there. Dinner service starts around 6, while the show starts at 8. It can be a late night but this shouldn't stop you from going. The food is delicious, the environment is fun and classic, and while it can be a bit of a drive, the theatre is easy to find. The Twin City Theatre Bloggers is hosting a "Prom Date" on March 4th for the matinee. This includes access to a post show discussion with some of the cast members. With that in mind, you can use the code TCTB1 for $20 off any performance of The Prom between now and March 12th. This is a great way to save, and see a really great show!

(Photo credits: Dan Norman)