'The Prom' at Titusville Playhouse embraces inclusion with music, humor and joy

Christina LaFortune, Florida Today
·3 min read

Put on your dancing shoes, grab a corsage and get ready to go to "The Prom." The musical, that is.

The Tony-nominated sensation is making its way to Titusville Playhouse, promising a night of entertainment that will leave audiences cheering for love and acceptance. The show opens Friday, Sept. 8 for a run through Oct. 1.

"'The Prom' is more than just a show about high schoolers going to the prom," said director Niko Stamos. "It is an homage to Broadway lovers with the story centering around four Broadway stars going to a small town to help a girl get to go to the prom with who she wants."

The cast of the musical "The Prom," playing at Titusville Playhouse through Oct. 1, 2023. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
The cast of the musical "The Prom," playing at Titusville Playhouse through Oct. 1, 2023. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

The story revolves around Emma (Delaney Sue McGough,) a high school student whose hopes of attending prom with her girlfriend Alyssa (Myanell Enriquez) are dashed when the school's PTA decides to cancel the event altogether. Enter four Broadway stars (Steven J. Heron, Mandy Kerridge, Cory Evans and Sarah Ruth Joyner) in desperate need of an image makeover. When they hear about Emma's story, they set out on a mission to champion her cause, using their thespian talents to bring attention to the issue and revive the prom. What unfolds is a tale of self-discovery, redemption, and the transformative power of empathy.

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Stamos has assembled a cast of talented actors ready to step into the shoes of the flamboyant and feisty characters.

"The Broadway stars in the show are so spot on playing humanized stereotypes of classic celebrities," Stamos said. "Delaney McGough and Myanell Enriquez as Emma and Alyssa deliver heart and ground the story. And Holly Fuller, who plays Alyssa’s mother and PTA president - a difficult role to play - has crafted a dimensional character that goes through the most eye-opening arc of the show."

Stamos added, "Fans of the Playhouse will also love getting to see Steven (Heron) play the over-the-top hilarious - and dramatic - Broadway star Barry Glickman."

In the center dressed in red are Steven J. Heron as "Barry Glickman" and Mandy Kerridge as "Dee Dee Allen" in the musical "The Prom," playing at Titusville Playhouse through Oct. 1, 2023. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
In the center dressed in red are Steven J. Heron as "Barry Glickman" and Mandy Kerridge as "Dee Dee Allen" in the musical "The Prom," playing at Titusville Playhouse through Oct. 1, 2023. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

The real magic of "The Prom" lies in its ability to tackle serious subjects while keeping the audience laughing and tapping their feet. The musical's catchy tunes are accompanied by lyrics that deliver both humor and heartache.

"The show is very funny and the production numbers are very clever," Stamos said. "Along with the comedy, though, is a story of heart and opening minds."

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The heart of the story is its celebration of love and the ultimate triumph of kindness over prejudice.

"We are all people," Stamos said. "We all just want to be loved and accepted and treated equally. As long as what we are doing is not harming another person, we should also just be allowed to be ourselves and loved and accepted for that."

Myanell Enriquez as "Alyssa Greene" and Delaney Sue McGough as "Emma Nolan" in the musical "The Prom," playing at Titusville Playhouse through Oct. 1, 2023. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
Myanell Enriquez as "Alyssa Greene" and Delaney Sue McGough as "Emma Nolan" in the musical "The Prom," playing at Titusville Playhouse through Oct. 1, 2023. Visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.

"At a time where so many people are feeling defeated by the surroundings of the world we live in, I hope this show brings our community together," Stamos said. "The Space Coast has become a more accepting place in some ways but recently I think many have felt the love and acceptance for all fade away."

"We all truly believe the community needs this message right now, and hope that it brings people together."

If you go

'The Prom'

Where: Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, Titusville

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Oct. 1

Tickets: Start at $30

Info: 321-268-1125

On the web: titusvilleplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Musical with a message: Titusville Playhouse goes to 'The Prom'