PROM : NUOVA Vocal Arts

We had the pleasure of watching and writing reviews to this wonderful show here in Edmonton! Read the top 5 below!

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Costumes: Brian Bast

Tech: Skye Grinde

Photo Credit: Jacy Eberlein

By Abrigail Williams 

Millwoods Christian School 

Just a small-town girl in Indiana voyaging through a journey of acceptance and love. The Prom by  Nuova Vocal Arts presents a musical adaptation of this production, bringing stories to life. The story  begins when eccentric Broadway stars find an investment opportunity in a young girl named Emma,  in a small town in Indiana. When their careers are threatened by their public image, they seize upon  a small-town opportunity to portray themselves as heroes and regain their popularity. 

The story follows a young teenage girl, Emma Nolan, played by Daphne Charrois, who is trying to  attend a prom with her girlfriend. However, she faces challenges from her small rural town. A story  about overcoming great adversity helps build character and leads all the characters in the story to a  change of heart. The actors demonstrated dynamic characters, like Dee Dee Allen played by Cheryl  Jameson, with equally captivating and unique stories, brought together towards an end goal. The  production was adorned with glittering costumes, props, and sets that truly brought it to life.  However, their brilliance might occasionally overwhelm the viewer! Choices made between the  lighting backdrops and projecting screens added depth through color. Subtle accents, such as  shades of green and blue in the scenery, complemented the mood of each scene and the overall  spirit of the show. 

The major dance numbers with expressive poses gave an inviting feel that was synonymous with the  song Big Fun from the musical Heathers. The chemistry among the cast shown throughout the  production and really made you want to join them in the fun on stage. Trent Oliver, played by Patrick  Lynn, was an eccentric character who made the audience burst into laughter, with his witty remarks  and conceited rambles. His quirkiness indeed added to the sunny disposition of the characters. The  active use of blocking in the high school prom scenes was blended yet set apart in a way that  allowed you to get a close view of all the things that are happening at once. 

The show's elements are all tied together to create an entertaining yet touching story. The show  brought together values of feeling connected with the community and inviting others to be involved.  It represented this by encouraging cast members from different walks of life, adding depth to the  characters, and conveying a message about the importance of being seen. With a cast that has so  many diverse stories, the musical truly proved to be a successful representation of one of the many  stories that Nuova Vocal Arts has showcased both on and off stage.

Photo Credit: Jacy Eberlein

By Lindelwe Moyo 

Mother Margaret Mary High School 

Here’s to a show that's so inspiring, it’s almost too much to sit through! 

An amazing production by Nuova Vocal Arts left audience members wiping their tears. The musical  is based upon a true story which occurred nearly a decade ago in Mississippi. The Prom was written  by Bob Martin, from a concept provided by Jack Viertel. The life-changing production was co directed by Kim Mattice Wanat and Brett Dahl.  

The Prom is a comedic, sentimental, and relatable musical. Following the story of Emma, a  teenager who just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom. The audience goes through moments of  excitement, sadness, and curiosity. Emma faces issues with the PTA and student body as they  protest the prom due to their homophobia. A group of Hollywood stars come to Indiana to make a  change in Emma’s small community in an attempt to regain respect in their industry after an  insulting and devastating review. The Prom teaches the moral that everyone deserves to be seen  and especially that the most important thing is to “love thy neighbor”.  

The exceptional acting by the cast really brought the show to life. Their mannerisms, voices, facial  expressions, and use of the stage really showcased the reality of this tragic story. Every single  reaction and movement were completely in character from all members of the cast. All the actors seemed very comfortable with each other, the stage, themselves, and the props used. An actor  whose performance stood out was Sophie May Healey’s, who played Kaylee. Their use of  expressions, tone and movement truly made an impact on the audience, especially during the  musical number Tonight Belongs To You. Another actor whose performance made an impact was  Bella King, her portrayal of Alyssa Greene made the audience relate to the hopelessness and fear  experienced by Alyssa throughout the show. King and Daphne Charrois, who played Emma Nolan,  portrayed how discrimination affects youth. Cheryl Jameson, who played Dee Dee Allan, displayed  exceptional vocal ability as during her solo number, The Lady’s Improving’ her voice remained  stable and strong throughout while she was in constant movement.  

The choices made by the creative team significantly contributed to the effect made by the production. The minimal set was able to portray every scene perfectly. For example, the back of the  lockers were the walls of Applebee’s, which made for a quick seamless transition from the hallways  of the high school to Dee Dee Allan and Mr. Hawkins’ restaurant date. The lighting impacted the  energy of each scene, a specific example of this is the ensemble number Tonight Belongs To You  and the Act 1 Finale. The upbeat dance light from Tonight Belongs To You remaining during the finale  after the audience discovers the truth about the proms made a wonderful juxtaposition, as the  audience grieves whilst the energy on stage is cheery.  

Overall, the musical was exceptional. Note to self: Watch The Prom musical produced by Nuova  Vocal Arts.

Photo Credit: Jacy Eberlein

By Tessa Musiiwa 

Mother Margaret Mary High School 

Nuova Vocal Arts has created a heart-wrenching and heartwarming rollercoaster of emotions with  their musical based on true events, The Prom. The production, written by Chad Beguelin and Bob  Martin, showcases the jaw-dropping talent of students and professionals throughout the city.  Despite originally debuting on Broadway in November 2018, the story behind Prom has been  around for much longer, with the plot based on an incident that occurred in 2010. The story follows  Emma Nolan (Daphne Charrois), a young teenager who is unable to bring her girlfriend Alyssa  Greene (Bella King) to the prom due to an unaccepting homophobic town. Having watched the less than-well-received Netflix adaptation, I can confidently say that Nuova Vocal Arts has exceeded all  expectations with their production.  

The actors delivered a genuine and jaw-dropping performance that left the audience, including  myself and friends on the verge of tears multiple times throughout the show. Gregory Caswell, who  played Barry Glickman, was particularly impressive and brought his character to life with  exceptional comedy. During our conversation with the production director, she shared a technique  with us that she uses to help the actors better understand their roles. It is evident that the actors in  this production took this to heart, as they created their world on this stage immersing not just  themselves but the audience in it. Charrois and King had beautiful chemistry with one another and  did justice to their characters emotionally and vocally. To top this there wasn't a moment on set  when the actors break character. They even responded to small details like leaving the stage or  making mistakes like stuttering, forgetting a line, or dropping something, while staying in character.  

Despite the set not being flashy, it helped build the world in ways that mimic real life. When we first  got a glimpse of Emma Nolan's bedroom, the immediate thought that crossed our minds as  reviewers was, "Wow! This is a teenager's bedroom." The quick scene changes were such a cool  thing to witness in person. Multiple pieces, such as the lockers or Emma's bedroom, were  interchangeable with other scene sets. This meant that a set piece could be both the lockers in a  school or the walls of an Applebee's making scene changes quicker and smoother. Sometimes a  scene would take place in front of the curtains while the hard-working crew members work to set  up the next scene from behind creating an amazing reveal when the curtains are eventually pulled  back. 

Nuova Vocal Arts' production of The Prom is an absolute must-see for everyone. Regardless of your  age, identity, or beliefs, the show offers something for everyone. It not only provided an exceptional  learning experience for the audience but also the actors themselves. This show is not just about  coming out; it's about discovering oneself, learning who you are, and being proud of it. The message  is beautifully conveyed by the fantastic crew and cast members of Nuova Vocal Arts, who have put  their heart and soul into a production that I would love to see again.

Photo Credit: Jacy Eberlein

By Lynette Tom 

Mother Margaret Mary High School 

The World is for Every Person 

Subtitle: A hilarious, heartwarming production that leaves you thinking 

In a world where the spotlight often shines on stories of conflict and division, a show was put on by  NUOVA Vocal Arts, that emerges as a beacon of hope and humor. With the book and lyrics written  by Chad Beguelin, the book written by Bob Martin, and the music by Matthew Skylar, this musical,  with its infectious energy and poignant messages, dances its way into the hearts of audiences,  leaving a trail of glitter and goodwill. 

Since its Broadway debut in 2018, The Prom by Bob Martin has captured hearts with its spirited take  on a poignant issue: the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in a small, conservative town. The story revolves  around a lesbian student banned from going to her prom with her girlfriend, and the unlikely  support she gets from a group of Broadway stars looking for a cause. This story navigates themes of  acceptance, love, and the battle against prejudice, making a compelling case for empathy and  inclusivity. Through its engaging plot and heartfelt message, The Prom stands out as a powerful  testament to the change that love and courage can inspire, offering audiences a deeply moving  theatre experience. 

The cast of The Prom delivered standout performances, infusing their characters with depth and  emotion. Their ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments created a dynamic and engaging  narrative. The chemistry among the cast members was palpable, creating a cohesive ensemble that  captivated the audience from start to finish. Some characters excelled at portraying a sort of  closeness you would see in friends that really cared for each other. The standout character  relationship was Emma Nolan (Daphne Charrois) and Barry Glickman (Gregory Caswell). The way  the two characters got so close so quickly really pulled on the audience's heartstrings! 

The lighting and choreography in The Prom were standout elements that enhanced the production.  The lighting design effectively set the mood for each scene, while the choreography added excitement and helps convey the characters' emotions. The use of gobo lights really added to the  production, making each change in scenery very distinct and kept the show interesting. The  choreography was well done, clearly having many hours put into it from how seamlessly everything  flowed. Where little mistakes were made, the actors excellently picked up right where they left off  and continued going, all the while staying in character. 

Through the eyes of a vibrant cast of characters, The Prom tackles themes of acceptance, love, and  the power of community, all wrapped up in show-stopping numbers and witty dialogue. In this  performance, we clearly saw every single character wanting things for themselves, wanting to  matter, and the actors really portrayed that feeling beautifully. Through its heartwarming story and  powerful message of acceptance and love, the show reminds us of the importance of empathy and  understanding in today's world. This musical will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately,  believing in the power of love to change hearts and minds.

Photo Credit: Jacy Eberlein

By Audrey Stroppel 

Mother Margaret Mary High School 

Let me paint an image: I knock on your door. I’m dressed to the nines. And I ask your parents to let  me take you to The Prom. Not a prom, The Prom, the new musical from Nuova Vocal Arts. Quite the  shake-up considering that Nuova is a musical institution and we at the AYTC usually review plays  from schools. Anyways, The Prom, a LGBTQ+ story, is quite the heartfelt show. It also flaunts a  lovely score, excellent choreography, and wonderful acting.  

The Prom is based on the true story of Constance McMillen, who made news back in 2010 for the  pushback she faced from the Itawamba County School District in Mississippi for wanting to take  her girlfriend to the prom. Originally debuted in 2016, went to Broadway in 2018, The Prom is written  by Matthew Skylar, Chad Beguelin, and Bob Martin. The story mainly takes place in Edgewater,  Indiana, and follows Emma Nolan, a lesbian teenager who, much like McMillen, has her school’s  prom cancelled because of her being forbidden to take her girlfriend Alyssa Greene to the event.  But not only does it involve Emma and the school, but it also involves a quirky quartet of Broadway  actors and an assistant looking for PR redemption through Emma after a reviewer pans their show  and calls them narcissistic. In the play, there’s a variety of opposing and supporting forces to Emma  that I believe really embody common opinions about the LGBTQ+ community. There’s the PTA, a  largely homophobic opposing force which includes Alyssa’s strict mother, the student body, who  are originally also prejudiced, the actors, who support Emma initially only for selfish reasons, and  the principal Mr. Hawkins, who is basically the one “pure” force working in Emma’s interest  throughout the entire play. The student body and later the PTA both unlearn their bigotry by the end  in a way that is oversimplified and unrealistic, but you can excuse it with the fact that The Prom is a  comedy-musical and has elements unnatural to actual life and discourse as a result. 

Going into the play, the acting and singing were amazing. I mean, the singing being good is expected  of a music-based company, but they really delivered, and their expertise and skill showed through.  Not only did the singing do the musical numbers justice, but so did the choreography. I really  enjoyed the choreography, not only with its grandness and jolly but also with how they used the  space of the theatre, especially in musical numbers. For example, cast members would stand in  the audience during a scene that takes place at a halftime show at a monster truck rally. One scene  takes place in two different spaces at the same time, and it’s expressed excellently on stage partly  because of how the two groups of characters were split on the stage. It was also partially a tech  theatre thing, but we’ll get to that later. Anyways, the acting was very remarkable--I ended up having  some pretty strong feelings about the characters as I watched the play. The Broadway crew, played  by Gregory Caswell, Cheryl Jameson, Patrick Lynn, Wilmari Myburgh and Jessika Clarke, were quite  goofy and a joy to watch. I really felt the disappointment Emma and Mr. Hawkins had when the troupe showed their vanity. I particularly liked Lynn’s Trent Oliver for his eloquent yet humorous  nature. Bethany Doerksen’s Mrs. Greene was the opposite--the character made me feel so  frustrated whenever I saw her, and considering her antagonistic role, I found it a real feat. But the  part that really got me was the relationship between Daphne Charrois’ Emma and Bella King’s  Alyssa itself: their romance was just so sweet! They both love each other so much, and the tension  they dealt with both separately and together struck me and made cracks in my heart. Some of the  actors in this show are LGBTQ+ and after the show I got to know how that ended up influencing their  performances, which gave me a lot of insight into the significance and representation of the show. Something I remember was that Sophie May Healey took from an actual ex-friend to help play the  part of Kaylee, one of the students and a part of Emma’s opposition.  

The set is not big, but it’s still a very nice set. It consists of a lot of moving pieces and is well-made. I  found it interesting and genius that they used the stage’s curtains a lot for certain configurations of  the set, as it worked visually and must have also been useful for the crew, as it could give them  plenty of time to prepare the next scene’s configuration. Other interesting things I saw were that  they attached painted, non-functional lockers to real lockers as an easy and considerate way to  add more lockers and that beds were attached to walls that could be put up and turned into  bookshelves. I especially liked it when they arranged it into Emma’s bedroom--the LED lights on her  corkboard and her messy bed with colourful blankets really made it feel like a room a teenager  would live in. They also projected images such as backgrounds onto the screen behind them often,  which didn’t look like the most difficult feat (I mean this in a good way) and was also visually  effective. I think the real highlight of the technical aspects of the play was the lighting: the colours  and for the scenes were nice, but the part that really strikes me about the lighting is when they had  to focus on characters in a scene. They really know how to use lighting to draw attention to  characters and separate them from their surroundings. This is how well they executed scenes that  takes place in different--characters were additionally lit in two distinct ways to show the two  spaces being separate. I liked the costuming too and how traits of the characters showed through  their wardrobe. For example, the girls in the student body (including Alyssa) are more feminine and  preppy, while Emma’s style is more grungy, nerdy, and slightly androgynous. I particularly liked  Emma’s cat kigurumi onesie and the blue suit she wore at the end, which oh-so-adorably matched  the dress that Alyssa wore too. I also liked the glitzy and glamorous formalwear of the Broadway  team, but what really stood out to me was that Wilmari Myburgh’s Angie was mainly dressed in  black to show her attachment to the similarly black-clad character Angie played in Chicago for two  decades.  

There are some things in The Prom that feel unrealistic to LGBTQ+ life. The Prom is recognized more  as a piece of media to help people practice allyship and less as something truly “for the gays”.  However, not only are a lot of things unrealistic in theatre, especially in musicals, the effectiveness  of The Prom’s representation is not only dependent on its book but also the intent of the company  making it. And considering the sentiment of the actors and its director Kim Mattice Wanat, I think it  was put in good hands. Additionally, The Prom is, at its core, a lesbian story, and maybe I’m not  looking around enough, but I find it very meaningful in the landscape of theatre because I don’t see  explicitly sapphic narratives often. Despite that, I think that the existence of The Prom is very  important. Along with that, as a show, it boasts a captivating cast and excellent musical numbers.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a prom date to go to. Thank you, my lover’s parents.

Photo Credit: Jacy Eberlein

By Maya (MJ) Janzen 

The Prom performed by Nuova Vocal Arts was absolutely incredible in every way possible.  Everything popped visually and you could see the amount of hard work put into it just by listening to  each song number. 

This play delved deep into queer representation and added a light to different perspectives within  the community. The Prom was based around a high school girl in Indiana, fighting the outrage after  she asked her girlfriend to be her date to the prom. A famous actress and a former drag queen  decide to use this as an opportunity to prove themselves as good people after being called  narcissistic by the New York Times. Chaos ensues when they arrive, Emma was already in the  spotlight, and this creates a new and raw rift between her and would-have-been date. Everyone  finds another to deepen a bond with, even if it's just acquaintance. Everyone gets their own bit of  light, their own bit of importance. “Every single person wants to matter”, as put into words by  director Kim Mattice Wanat. In addition, this performance was meant as a kind of bridge,  connecting community actors to professional actors, lessening the invisible barriers between the  two.  

I was laughing and near crying with little hints of anger throughout the play at the trail of events and  how people responded in the face of fear or just feeling uncomfortable. It was extremely  entertaining watching Gregory Caswell play Barry Glickman, a former drag queen and flamboyant  personality, expressing every emotion to the fullest and forming an almost fairy godmother-like  relationship with Emma Nolan, played by Daphne Charrois. Everyone on stage had incredible  voices with range and power, but I think Wilmari MyBurgh, playing gorgeous Angie Dickonson, was a  delight to listen to, especially in the number Zazz. The amount of effort in every aspect of the show  was clear as day, from the quick set changes to the masterful lighting to create moods and  differentiate between the two places all the way to the costumes and props.  

The beloved Varscona theatre added to the charm of my personal experience. I was comfortable  and content the entire time, even when speaking with the actors themselves (Charrois, Caswell,  Sophie May Healey, and Benedict Magsambol). I wish I could watch it again for the first time. The  different perspectives I never even thought about were so potent and powerful, a great message  with a marvelous performance. 

Photo Credit: Jacy Eberlein

By Karolina Guzman-Smyl 

Let's start changing lives. 

“It’s time to dance with NUOVA Vocal Arts”  

From every act to the curtain call, NUOVA Vocal Arts presents an unforgettable production that will  leave you in awe. Each moment, brimming with emotion and passion was originally produced on  Broadway by Bill Damaschke, Dori Bernstein, Jack Lane, and Music by Matthew Sklar.  

Based on a true story, The Prom is a jubilant celebration filled with many heartfelt themes, and the  power of standing up for what’s right. Emma Nolan (played by Daphne Charrois) a LGBTQ+ teen who  is banned from bringing her girlfriend to her high school prom, is joined by a spirited group of  Broadway stars searching for a new spotlight. As the tensions rise and the parents cling to their  “traditional values” one student's simple desire to attend prom with her girlfriend ignites a  community-wide reckoning. On a mission to inspire change, Broadway's most vibrant personalities  rally alongside a strong girl and her community. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical,  THE PROM intertwines the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a timeless message. 

In the spotlight of the performance, Gregory Caswell as Barry Glickman and Cheryl Jameson as Dee  Dee Allan dazzle as the dynamic duo, taking the stage with their chemistry and comedic timing.  Caswell effortlessly played the flamboyant yet lovable essence of Barry, while Jameson captivated  the audience with glamour in her portrayal of Dee Dee. Together, their on-stage banter and playful  antics brought a realistic feel into the production, filling it with an energy and charm that enriched the narrative. Each of the dance numbers in The Prom was electrifying and showcased the many  talents of the cast and ensemble. Love Thy Neighbour stood out as a poignant reminder of the  show's themes of acceptance and unity. It ignited laughter but also deepens the exploration of the  heartfelt moments of love and acceptance woven throughout The Prom.  

The technical elements of The Prom brought the production to new heights, with the use of  rotatable set pieces that could transform the stage from place to place, and even finding ways to  show two stories happening at the same time. All while creating versatility and fluid transitions on  stage. Another piece of tech that just made the story pop was the use of Gobos. The dynamic  patterns and textures were projected onto the stage creating mesmerizing effects that  complemented the mood and tone of each scene creating depth and dimension. Credit goes to  Skye Grine for this. There were many outstanding costumes worn by each member of the cast,  designed by Brian Bast. Every part of the tech was carefully thought out and put together, creating  such a creative feel to the show. 

In conclusion, NUOVA vocal arts delivered an incredible production of The Prom, a heartwarming  tale of love and acceptance brought to life by the talented cast and innovative technical elements.  With dynamic performances and captivating dance numbers, the show left a lasting impression,  resonating with audiences long after the curtain fell. Through the heartfelt storytelling The Prom delivered the powerful message of unity and courage. 

Photo Credit: Jacy Eberlein