Highland Park Players’ ‘The Prom’ Will Warm Your Heart

The Prom is a heartwarming musical that follows struggling Broadway actors who travel to a small Indiana town to help a high school girl fight for her right to bring her girlfriend to the prom. Filled with laughs and a message of acceptance, this show celebrates what it is to be who you are.

Theatre can be an excellent teaching agent. It marks points in time where specific issues or discussions may be on the table, but it often has an overarching message that is always among some basic truths. The Prom, a musical with book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin, and music by Matthew Sklar, is definitely one of those shows.

The Prom is a story about living – and finding – your authentic self. The show begins with two famous actors who open and close a Broadway show in one night. Barry and Dee Dee, both narcissistic personalities, team up with two other washed-up actors and a publicist to see if they can find a cause to support to gain some positive publicity.

After searching through Twitter, they come across a story about a small-town girl named Emma whose prom was canceled because she wants to bring her girlfriend as her date. The PTA deemed this a huge problem and canceled the prom for all students outright.

After reaching the small town (where there are no spas and no suites – only a Walmart and an Applebee’s), the group teams up with Emma and her principal to try to get the PTA to change its mind and allow the students to have their celebration. Over the course of the rest of the show, everyone finds some strength, some warmth, some acceptance, and some love.

Highland Park Players’ new production of The Prom is a ton of fun. It is hilariously funny, chock full of talent, and extremely well-paced. In fact, there were several times that I forgot I wasn’t watching the characters live their actual lives, the cast was so immersed in their performances.

While everyone was engaged, talented, and having a great time on stage, there were a few people that stood out to me in other ways. Robin Trevino’s Barry was the sweetest man (who had lived Emma’s current life to its natural conclusion) inside a narcissist’s body. Barry’s story arc with Mr. Trevino’s portrayal left you wanting to hug and thank him at the end.

Christine Pfenninger’s Dee Dee was outrageously sassy and she could also belt like no other. It fit the part well and her control over her voice was a constant entertainment. Elijah Warfield, Jessica Means, and Corey Mills (an energetic and magnetic Trent, Angie, and Sheldon respectively) were bright lights of joy and energy. Lastly, Hannah Kipp’s Emma was understated and hopeful and Drew Longo’s Mr. Hawkins was the well-adjusted and caring grown-up that every human needs in their life.

The costumes were a fun addition and ran the gamut of everything from glitzy ball gowns to Godspell costumes. There was always something to watch in the small and cute wordless scenes that took place during set changes, and the set pieces themselves led you from the school hallway and the principal’s office to Emma’s bedroom and a restaurant booth.

And while the songs are hugely entertaining (some standouts are “Dance With You,” “Love Thy Neighbor,” and “Unruly Heart”), the depth of this production is what makes it stand out. Watching people move through a story of finding their authentic selves (or gaining the strength to continue to be who they are) is a lovely journey.

Highland Park Players’ production is moving and uplifting in ways that are unexpected and endearing. Just because you know the story doesn’t mean that you know what you are in for with this piece. Bring a tissue for your laughing and crying because you are going to love it.

The Prom runs for approximately 2 hours 45 minutes including one intermission.

Highland Park Players The Prom Chicago Review – The Prom is playing at McGrath Family Performing Arts Center through 8/25/2024. Tickets can be purchased on their website or by calling (224) 212-0477. The McGrath Family Performing Arts Center is located at 1100 Laramie Ave in Wilmette.