Before the curtain went up, cast members discussed being ostracized in high school.
When Emma Nolan announced that she wanted to bring her girlfriend to the prom, outraged administrators and teachers canceled the event.
Through social media, the controversy gained traction, eventually reaching a band of Broadway actors. Not long after, the performers traveled to her small Midwestern town to host an all-inclusive prom, sharing a message of acceptance.
This is the plot of “The Prom,” a 2018 musical comedy playing now at Weathervane Playhouse.
The play is based on a book of the same name written by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin. In 2020, Ryan Murphy directed a musical comedy film adaptation starring Meryl Streep, James Corden and Nicole Kidman.
“Once I started looking into the story a bit more,” said Marissa Leenaarts, Weathervane Playhouse’s director and choreographer, “it’s the sweetest story with a special message.”
The concept of “The Prom” was loosely inspired by a 2010 incident in Mississippi: A student was denied permission to bring her girlfriend to prom. The student later won a settlement against the school for violating her First Amendment rights.
In Akron, the play’s pro-LGBTQ+ message was well received during the production’s opening weekend at the end of April.
“They pushed the issues that are happening in the world but kept it very sweet and innocent,” Leenaarts said.
Cast of ‘The Prom’ in Akron
The cast includes Brian O. Jackson as Broadway star Barry Glickman. Jackson said “The Prom” is one of the largest productions he’s worked on at the community-based theater in Akron.
“It’s very dance-heavy. It is full of life and energy,” said Jackson, who has worked as an actor for 13 years. “And it’s just been a very fun — exhausting, but fun — process.”
Dan Reichert plays the character of Mr. Hawkins, the high school principal who empathizes and advocates for Emma, the play’s protagonist.
Leenaarts, a former dancer at Walt Disney World — she also studied musical theater at Kent State University — said she prepared for “The Prom” by waking up every morning at 5 a.m. to practice choreography, tailoring each dance number to the play’s soundtrack.
Reichert said Leenaarts’ choreography challenged the cast, pushing them to try new techniques. Meanwhile, she made a point to work with each actor’s skills and abilities.
Emma is played by Alicia Diaz-Valls, who starred in the 2023 production of “Ragtime The Musical” at Weathervane.
Actors share personal stories, bond on stage
Reichert said rehearsals felt like boot camp, yet before cast members started blocking choreography and running lines, they spent time participating in what felt like group therapy. Some cast members discussed being ostracized in high school, while others shared similar experiences in other environments.
“Marissa allowed us all to kind of share personal stories or, maybe, motivators of why we chose to audition and wanted to be a part of a show with this message,” Reichert said.
Leenaarts said cast members revealing past life struggles helped them form bonds that strengthened on-stage chemistry.
“I think that after that, we all understood each other,” Leenaarts said. “And I went in saying, ‘This is going to be our safe place.'”
Jackson said having a relationship with peers is as important as getting into character and preparing for roles.
“It’s been really fun to play that very over-the-top, full-of-life kind of guy, [but] honestly, it’s not too far off from who I am as a person,” Jackson said.
“I definitely relate to the kind of the inner struggle and the hurt that he comes from and just the struggle of coming out at an early age.”
How to watch ‘The Prom’ at Weathervane Playhouse
While the book that inspired “The Prom” was written a decade ago, Jackson said the concept doesn’t feel outdated. Its themes are still important.
Still, the show at Weathervane Playhouse includes lots of heart — and laughs.
“I think the biggest thing for me is if people leave with a smile,” Jackson said, “more than anything, because it’s a heavy topic.”
“The Prom” runs through May 12. Show times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at weathervaneplayhouse.com or by calling 330-836-2626. Prices are $14 for children and $36 for adults – senior seats are $30 – plus a $4 fee.
