Review Highlights: THE PROM - The Phoenix Theatre Company

Hahnna Christianson and Rusty Ferracane and Cast
Photo by Reg Madison

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 9

"...Set in small-town Indiana, the plot centers on the plight of Emma, whose high school's PTA cancels the prom once it gets wind that she wants to bring a female date. To Emma's rescue comes a band of Broadway performers... searching for a way to redeem themselves and believe that helping out Emma will do the trick.. Under Michael Barnard's astute direction, the Phoenix Theatre Company cast create winning portrayals and get big laughs while also delivering in spades the show's sweet and uplifting messages. As Emma, the musical's bright and strongly beating heart, Hahnna Christianson is a knock-out. Her singing voice is powerful and bright and she makes us care deeply for Emma in a portrayal that is sincere and at times heartbreaking. While the message at the center of The Prom, of being able to be who you are and love who you want to, may not be one that most already liberal-leaning theatregoers need convincing of, the show still manages to be warm and charming. With a fantastic cast, smart direction, and rich creative elements, The Prom at The Phoenix Theatre Company is sharp, funny, and ultimately a winning, feel-good musical about love and inclusion."  - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)

"..a richly rewarding and charmingly fun-filled expose about tolerance, understanding, and acceptance. It is also an extravagant musical entertainment that explodes all over The Phoenix Theatre Company’s stage in a malarkey-ridden production that never forgets its message about open-mindedness....Huge production numbers staged with gusto and wild energy by director Michael Barnard and choreographer Lauran Stanis keep the story light as the ramifications on daily life and prom planning impact everyone.  The magnificent staging is enhanced by a superb cast who essay the roles with sincerity and honesty."   -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)

"In the frothy and hugely likable new The Phoenix Theatre Company production of the 2018 Broadway musical, THE PROM, now playing on the theatre’s mainstage until July 9, four down-on-their-luck, ego-driven Broadway stars seek a charitable cause...Under the assured guidance of experienced director Michael Barnard (with assistance from Chelsea Anderson), this The Phoenix Theatre Company production of THE PROM is a show that continually moves. From scene to scene, Douglas Clarke's effective scenic designs glide on and off with precise, expert timing, assuring that as soon as one scene ends, the following is already in place....at the center of it all is Emma, the smart, awkward, reluctant heroine, played by Hahhna Christianson, and she’s wonderfully engaging. Emma wants no part in being a gay, white Rosa Parks.  Instead, all she wants is to go to the prom and dance with her love."  - David Appleford, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)