At the Grand Theatre, London, Ont.
Book by Kent Staines
Music by Colleen Dauncey
Lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal
Orchestrations by Justin Goldner
Based on the true story of Marc Hall
Directed by Dennis Garnhum
Musical director, Andrew Petrasiunas
Choreographed by Lisa Stevens
Set by David Boechler
Costumes by Lisa Wright
Lighting by Kimberly Purtell
Sound by Emily Porter
Cast: Bradley Amesse
Leyla Boyacigil
Jack Crim
Maddie Daley
Matt De Kort
Dominique Delben
Sarah Dennison
Devon Dixon
Marcy Gallant
Hunter Gowan
Damon Guidolin
Tanner Hamlin
Olivia Ho
Maya Sen Chawla
Shae Solomon
Keith Ssemugenyi
Matthew Van Bussel
Isaac Van Deven
And a wonderfully talented ensemble of 32.
This production of Prom Queen is this year’s “High School Project” at the Grand Theatre in London, Ont. What is “The High School Project” (HSP)? It’s the only theatre program of its kind in North America. It is a creation of the Grand Theatre that started it in 1998. It offers high school students education and training in theatre. They are mentored by professionals in every area of theatre: performance, directions, design, stage management, etc. The training culminates in a fully staged production on the Grand Theatre’s Spriet stage. Prom Queen is this year’s selection and the first Canadian musical to be part of the project. The show was developed through Sheridan College’s Canadian Music Theatre Project, It had its world premiere in Montreal at the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts, and it had a public workshop at the Other Palace in London, England.
Because Prom Queen is this year’s “High School Project” at the Grand Theatre, I have been asked not to review it. Fair enough. So this is an overview piece.
Prom Queen is everything Heathers The Musical isn’t. (that is the last time I will mention Heathers The Musical.) Prom Queen covers its subject in a thoughtful book with beautiful lyrics and a strong melodic score.
It’s based on the true story of Marc Hall of Oshawa. In 2002 he wanted to take his boyfriend to the Prom. The administration of his Catholic high school said no because taking his boyfriend did not adhere to the Catholic School Board’s idea of family values. Marc took them to court. Marc won and that very night he took his boyfriend to the prom.
Along the way there was opposition from the school’s administration. The Bible was quoted. Marc was supported by his parents (initially his father was reluctant for his own reasons, but eventually whole-heartedly supported his son), by his many friends, by the public. The characters in the piece are complex and multi-dimensional. The situation was serious and was treated with respect. It’s a humourous piece as well. There is nothing gratuitous. The angst of being a teen is explored with thought and respect, in song and dialogue.
The production was directed by Dennis Garnhum who is the Artistic Director of the Grand. The designers, conductor, and stage management etc. are professional and all those high school students assist them and learn from the pros. The cast blew me away.
I’m ashamed that I did not see a High School Project before this one because the words “high school” turned me off. Shame on me. Never again. I will seek out this effort every year from now on. And so should you. Alas it closes tomorrow, Sept. 29.
Interestingly, of the huge company of students, five of them go to Catholic schools. Progress.