Pawtucket Community Players put on a good ‘Prom’
On Sunday I met up with my friends Linda Dvelis, her brother Bobby and Donna Carter at Jenks Middle School for Pawtucket Community Players presentation of the musical “The Prom” based on original concept by Casey Nicholaw. My ticket was a birthday present from Linda. I love live theater, especially musicals, so this was a perfect gift.
The musical was special to me because two of the performers, Jennifer Gillis (Dee Dee) and Nathan Pothier (Ensemble), were former dance students of mine at The Ann Carr Dance Studio. We had great seats right up front. We no sooner sat down and three more of my pass students, Melissa, Cheryl, & Brenda Lee, sat next to us. It was so nice to see them.
The show starts off in New York where four Broadway actors, DeeDee, Barry, Angie & Trent, gather to check reviews on their last play about Eleanor Roosevelt. It is here that you first get a look at how self-centered and entitled they are. Dee Dee, (Jennifer Gillis), is sure the reviews will say she was perfect as Eleanor Roosevelt. Well, you guessed it, the reviews were terrible and the show closed the day it opened. It appears that this is not their first failure.
Afraid their names are being tarnished they figured they must find a cause they can back up that will make them look good. They search the internet and find that Emma, a young girl in Edgewater, Indiana is not being allowed, by the school PTA, to take her girlfriend to the Prom. They decide this is going to be their cause.
What follows, according to direct Christopher Margadonna is a hilarious, laugh out loud musical comedy that helps us to understand that everyone has a story to tell.
The singing and dancing were outstanding. Jennifer brought Dee Dee to life and made you believe that she was truly only in this for herself. I knew Jennifer was a beautiful dancer, she is the owner of The Dance
Factory Studio in Lincoln, but I did not know she was such a powerful singer. She was a standout when singing with other cast members but when she did her solos her vocal range really stood out.
The other Broadway “celebrities” brought their own special talent to the stage. Barry, (Mitchell Burns), an openly gay man, Angie (Giana Manzi-Hiniker) waiting for her big break to play Roxie in Chicago, and Trent (Greg “Spaz´ Gillis) who was once on TV, were perfectly cast. Trent may not have been the best singer in the group but he defiantly is the most comical and a great actor.
Emma Nolan (Kylie Chartier), is totally surprised when the stars arrive to help her go to the prom. Emma is a sweet young lady who really does not want all that is happening she just wants to go to the prom with her girlfriend Alyssa Greene (Kathryn Kimble). Both girls are excellent singers but when they both do their solo songs you really get to hear what strong voices they have.
There were many more standout characters in the story Mr. Hawkins (Michael Evora), the kind hearted principal who falls for Dee Dee. Mrs. Greene (Nancy Kimble), Alyssa’s mother and PTA president who doesn’t know her daughter is gay. Of course, I cannot forget the Ensemble members who bring Julia Gillis wonderful choreography to the stage.
I could tell you more, but I think you really should go see the musical to see how it all comes to an end. It will be playing Saturday night at 7:30 and Sunday at 2.00.
Have a great week and if you see us around town be sure to say Hi!