On opening night of The Prom (school edition), tension and excitement buzzed in the air backstage, while around half of the auditorium seats were filled. By the end of the next weekend, almost every ticket would be sold and a show would be performed five times that resonated with not only the audience, but the cast, pit, and crew.
Per usual, rehearsals trickled by steadily as soon as the winter break had ended. However, the show really began to come together after the infamous 9 hour long marathon rehearsal, in which the first two full run throughs with mics, costumes, lights, and a full pit were completed. Throughout the following week, the show was run once a day. By the end of Wednesday’s rehearsal, most felt ready to perform, a day earlier than expected and a good sign for the success of the musical.
On Thursday, the rest of the student body was finally able to view the production for the first time. Named characters in the cast included Harper Shute (Emma), Lala Sharples (Deedee), Joy Marr (Barry), Matthew Scaringe (Trent), Hayden Ratliff (Angie), Hayden Frisbie (Alyssa), Macsen Havens (Principal Hawkins), Brooke Kronenberg (Mrs. Greene), Laura Wicks (Sheldon), Zoya James (Kaylee), Abby Issakainen (Shelby), Brian Hebert (Kevin), Adam Dunlap (Nick), AJ Jones-Pike (Olivia), Tess Kronenberg (Brittney), Danielle Alpert (Jerusha), and Jack Chin (Fernell). A preview collection of some of the most notable songs from the show, including “Changing Lives,” “The Acceptance Song,” “It’s Not About Me,” and “You Happened” were performed for two groups of students at the end of the day, immediately followed by yet another run through of the show in rehearsal.
By the time opening weekend rolled around, those involved were excited, nervous, and some melancholy at the end of the show drawing near, but every one of them was prepared for and invested in the show. A surprisingly low number of stage goers attended, filling only around half of the large auditorium, but those who attended were enthusiastic and touched by the message of The Prom, as well as the talent and dedication of those involved. Many took to social media or spread news of the show to others to share how the message put forward by a talented cast, crew, and pit had resonated with them, leading to a surge in ticket sales immediately after.
After the second show on March 8th, Backstage Backers organized a bowling event at Green Lakes Lanes, which many attended. While there, students bowled with the friends they had made throughout the production, ate food from a buffet supplied by the bowling alley, and sang along to pop music and music from The Prom and past FM shows.
In the aftermath of this busy weekend with a few late nights, rehearsals took a break for the week, with only one “pick up” rehearsal on Wednesday. The show remained solid, with no need for more rehearsals until the second show weekend. However, cast, pit, and crew members were suddenly forced to adjust the show after Macsen Havens, who played Principal Hawkins, could not perform in the 3/14 show due to illness. With only two hours’ notice, Jack Chin performed in his stead for the Friday show and Saturday matinee, fulfilling the role well despite the lack of time available to prepare.
Following this flurry of the start to the second weekend, the last show on Saturday 3/15 soon came around. It was an emotional moment for many, as they contemplated the fun they had during The Prom production. For many seniors, this hit harder due to it being their final show. The entire production company put their all into this last show, expressing their various connections to the storyline and the messages they wanted the audience, which was now almost full, to take away.
To conclude this whirlwind of musical season, Backstage Backers held a party for the students and teachers, including handball games, sandwiches and desserts, poster signing, awards for spirit days and valuable contributions, and flowers for the teachers and volunteers, as well as recognition of Ms. Sharples, who has been president of Backstage Backers for years and supported students in countless ways.
With that, another FM musical has been completed, an important theme of acceptance and community conveyed, and many memories made for all those involved. The Prom has certainly been a memorable musical, and a transformative experience for many.
