Written by Deon Lumauig and Haseena Montante
Photos by Jules Aranjuez; Post-processing by Arizia Palomar

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“Treat the whole world like your runway. Make it fierce but in a fun way!” — — Barry Glickman

An off-Broadway show about Broadway stars, Ateneo Blue Repertory’s the PROM, its 33rd season newbie production, dazzled with color and wit. Under the direction of Abi Sulit and musical guidance of Maia Dapul, each sequence was chock full of unabashed queerness. From the very first moment, the show sweeps you into a colorful, glitter-filled whirlwind of Broadway glam, where every moment feels like a dance party in full swing. The energy is infectious, and there’s no turning back once you’re in. As the story unfolds, the production delivers brilliantly on its promise of pride, with signs proudly declaring, “Lez Is More,” “Pride Not Prejudice,” and “You Can’t Pray the Gay Away.” These bold, unapologetic statements set the tone for a musical that is as much about celebration as it is about the fight for acceptance.

The play is a love letter to the transformative power of being yourself, no matter the cost. Its plot centers around Emma Nolan, a teenager from conservative Indiana who is banned from attending her prom with her girlfriend. In response, a group of Broadway misfits, each struggling with their own fading careers, swoop in with a plan to “save the day” to try to revive their reputations. What follows is a chaotic, heartwarming journey of love, self-discovery, and acceptance, with high-energy Broadway antics colliding with the small-town dilemmas of exclusion and prejudice.

Broadway’s Divas with a Heart of Gold

The magic of the PROM lies in its characters, who are brought to life with chemistry and comedic timing.

The heart of the show is Andie Lopez’s portrayal of Emma Nolan, whose quiet resilience shines through in every scene. Personated with authenticity and warmth, Emma’s journey from a bullied teen to a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ youth is both inspiring and poignant. Her evolution, especially in her solo “Unruly Heart,” conveys the universal longing to be loved for who you truly are, and her growth resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt trapped by societal expectations. Alongside her is Celine Andrea Tam as Alyssa Greene, whose internal conflict between pleasing her overbearing mother, played by Cio Tabayoyong, and embracing her true self mirrors the broader societal struggle for acceptance. Their individual and shared journeys are deeply moving, offering a reflection of the difficulties many face in navigating their identities in a world that often demands conformity.

Barry Glickman’s flamboyant confidence, portrayed by Andre Blas with dynamic energy, provides comic relief while offering moments of genuine vulnerability, particularly when he reflects on his own struggles with acceptance. His bold personality is balanced by a deeper emotional complexity, making him a delightful and layered character. Khassie Cañada’s Dee Dee Allen, the self-absorbed diva, initially joins the mission for her own career revival, but her transformation into someone who learns empathy is both hilarious and heartfelt. Her brassy solos and larger-than-life presence echo her personality but also highlight her personal growth, making her journey compelling and relatable.

Even with stage-commanding characters like Barry and Dee Dee, the PROM never loses sight of the importance of supporting characters. RJ Paderayon plays Mr. Hawkins, the steady and supportive school principal, bringing a grounded counterpoint to the Broadway misfits and emphasizing the importance of allies in the fight for equality. The trio of Broadway misfits — Trent, Angie, and Sheldon — add a delightful layer of comic flair, with Marcos Castañeda’s Trent challenging small-town prejudices through his satirical “Love Thy Neighbor” and Sabel Lamadrid’s Angie and Polo Mendiola’s Sheldon bringing warmth and wit to the narrative. Together, they form a diverse and vibrant ensemble that enhances the story’s emotional depth.

One Thing’s Universal, Life’s No Dress Rehearsal!

The music of the PROM is an eclectic mix of Broadway-style showstoppers and poignant ballads, with standout moments like Dee Dee’s powerful solos and Trent’s irreverent anthem. The cast captures the energy and emotion of the score, adding to the production’s vibrancy. Iconic lines such as “You can’t pray the gay away” and “Bigotry is not big of me, and it’s not big of you” are woven throughout, serving as anthems of resistance and empowerment. These statements challenge societal norms while encouraging self-reflection, reminding audiences of the importance of living authentically and embracing love in all its forms.

The set design also served as a standout feature, blending the grandeur of Broadway with the modesty of small-town Indiana. The clever use of lighting amplifies the emotional beats, smoothly transitioning between the high-glam world of the Broadway characters and the more subdued reality of Emma’s struggles. Multi-functional pieces enabled seamless transitions, mirroring the fluidity of the story’s emotional and geographical shifts. For instance, a multi-purpose door switched positions to suit various settings, from the gym to the school hallway. Similarly, bedroom walls featured reversible wallpaper, transforming effortlessly between a hotel room and Emma’s bedroom. Bright lights, flashy colors, and even the standard American public school block lettering all contributed to the contrast, making the set a dynamic character in itself.

The costumes are another highlight. Dee Dee’s glamorous outfits, Angie’s femme fatale allure, and Emma’s understated wardrobe serve not only as eye candy but also as reflections of each character’s personality and journey. The costumes become an essential part of character development, adding depth to the storytelling without needing words.

In the PROM, Ateneo blueREP doesn’t just stage a musical; they champion a cause. The production reminds us all that love is love, no matter the zip code, the gender, or the number of sequins involved.The show transforms the stage into a space where living, laughing, and loving intersects. The production masterfully encapsulates monumental concepts of pride as a form of protest and integrity in the public eye, while simultaneously exploring the intimate, personal journey of Emma. This powerful juxtaposition of grand societal themes and deeply personal narratives is in a league of excellence we’ve come to expect from blueREP.

As the curtain falls, the audience leaves not just entertained but deeply inspired. The spirited energy of the cast, the emotional depth of the story, and the powerful message of acceptance linger long after the final notes are sung. This production inspires us to be better, to love more openly, and to live with the kind of courage and authenticity that the PROM so joyfully celebrates.

In a world where we can be anything, why not be fabulous?

Deon Lumauig is a perennially messy lost girl who fancies herself a member of the literati. An avid consumer of experience, Deon is the ultimate jack of all trades. She writes about everything under the sun (of course, with virtually no expertise) and has a love-hate relationship with words (in that she lives and dies by the written word but words often elude her). You can find her works — or not, since she uses different names — in multiple publications.

Haseena Montante is a second-year psychology student by day and your friendly neighborhood pop culture connoisseur around the clock — always ready to swing into action and unpack whatever’s trending. With a passion for whirling entertainment into the world around her, she’s your ultimate guide to uncovering the deeper depths of everyone’s favorite media.

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