The PromProgram Cover
Book and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin, Book by Bob Martin, Music by Matthew Sklar
Review by Ernest Edwards
Lyric Arts has the uplifting fun infectious musical The Prom playing on Main Street in downtown Anoka this summer. The Prom is a love letter to fans of musical theatre.
The musical opened on Broadway in 2018, I was able to see the National Tour of The Prom at the Orpheum Theater in April 2022. I’ve been waiting all season to see Lyric Arts production of The Prom as their summer musical.
You can join in the fun. There’s an area set up with a Prom background in the lobby, so you can take your own Prom photos.
The story is about a teenage lesbian in small Indiana town who wants to go to her High School Prom. There is some resistance with the local PTA. Some self absorbed washed up Broadway stars come to town to save the day. They do turn the town upside down. This group of rag tag Broadway stars have their hands full as they go head to head with the leader of the PTA. The ending to the first act is a gut punch. Without giving too much away, everything works out in the end.
The best part of the show is the cast! Emma (the student in question) is played by Imani Harris, her
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| Photo by Molly Jay |
girlfriend Alyssa is played by Sydney Line, Mrs. Green (the head of the PTA, and Alyssa’s mom) is played by Sheena Janson, The Principal Mr. Hawkins is played by Colin Perucco. Our self absorbed Broadway stars are as follows Dee Dee Allen is played by Emily Grodzik, Angie Dickinson is played by Dorian Brooke, Trent Oliver is played by Erik Hearing, and Barry Glickman is played by Andrew Newman. Barry Glickman is the best part of the show. He is not just a candy coated rainbow wrapped comedy relief. He also has a lot of heart.
I liked the scenery design by Michaela Lichen. The scenery for the The Prom scene itself was there the entire time. It was so simple and effective with how that was revealed.
It’s a great story. The self absorbed Broadway stars learn how to put the needs of others before themselves. It does feel nice to be selfless. It is fun to watch this character growth happen live on stage.A parent learns how to accept their child for who they are.
The Prom is perfect for 2026.
This must see musical plays through August 9, 2026. Check out www.lyricarts.org for tickets.
