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The NMSU Theatre Arts and American Southwest Theatre Company 2024-25 season concludes with the uplifting musical, The Prom, a fictional story inspired by true events, running April 11-27 at the NMSU Center for the Arts, 1000 E. University Ave., Las Cruces.
The original concept created by Jack Viertel tells the story of four forgotten Broadway stars looking for a cause to support for self-gain. They find a girl in a small conservative town in Indiana who is receiving backlash from the community for wanting to wear a tux and take her girlfriend to the prom.
Featuring music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and book by Bob Martin, the play opened on Broadway in 2018, was nominated for six Tony Awards, and won a Drama Desk Award for Best Musical. Powerful messages of acceptance, empowerment, and finding our authentic selves expressed in fun music and high energy dancing is what makes The Prom so engaging.
"I brought students to see this show on Broadway in the spring of 2019 and fell in love with both the message and the fun entertainment factor of the piece,” says Director Wil Kilroy.
Another exciting part of this production is the collaboration across the community. This production’s cast, crew, and creative team includes students, faculty, and staff from the Theatre Arts and Music departments and talented artists in the Las Cruces community.
Mikey Tongko, a local Zumba instructor, former rhythmic gymnast and competitive figure skater, is one of the choreographers for The Prom, “the most rewarding aspect for me is giving back to the community and empowering the next generation of performers to be their best selves,” he said.
“Working with Sarah [Neely] from the Music department allows us to be guided by a consummate professional in the field,” Kilroy said. “Rehearsals show this shared expertise resulting in some wonderful harmonies and elevated singing.”
All are excited to share this story with the larger community. One of the musical numbers in The Prom has Principal Hawkins singing, "We need a place to run to when everything goes wrong, where the answer to each problem is to burst into a song... when people dance in unison, and no one wonders why."
Kilroy adds “In addition to a joyful escape, the hope is that audience members will embrace the idea of accepting those that are different from them, and how extending love to each other can build community.”
Music student Karlten Friedrich who plays Barry Glickman, the narcissistic Broadway actor, wants the audience to be a part of the show, to escape with the cast to the world on stage and be left wanting more after it’s done. “I'm hoping that the community can be inspired by the arts and the creative side of being able to tell stories,” he said. “Especially for those that feel like they don't have a voice, it's a HUGE world out there - Find your community and thrive!”
The principal cast for The Prom consists of Greta Greenblatt, Angelique Reagan, Karen Shaw, Corrine Moritz, Isaiah Holguin, Aslan Longoria, Joshua Prichard, Delaney Sivils, Karlten Friedrich, Melis Derya White, Alex Brabo, Kate Conrad, Edward Leyva, Rachel Maze. Ensemble: Adan Hernandez, Veronika Lazos, Grace Mellen, Raelle Mosley, Celeste Shepherd, Alex Smith, Chrys Trujillo.
Stage direction is by Wil Kilroy assisted by Conner Striebel. Music Direction is by Sarah Neely, with Music Supervision by Lisa Hermanson, and Sound Design by Jim Wilkinson. Choreography is by Monique Foster, Mikey Tongko, and Kacie Bauer. Production Stage Manager is Bobbi Masters and Stage Managers are Katie Mayer and Emily Glover. Scenic and Lighting Design is by Aaron Krohn and Technical Direction is by Daniel Aguilera. Costume Design is by Dr. Heather Striebel and Makeup and Hair Design is by Emma Zavala.
The Prom opens at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 11, with a special preview at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10. Shows run at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 12; Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, with a closing show at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 27. Note: there will be no shows during Spring Holiday, April 18-20.
Tickets are $16 for student/senior/military, $10 for those under 18, $20 for general admission. To purchase tickets, contact the Box Office at 575-646-4515 or visit https://www.onthestage.tickets/new-mexico-state-university/individual-tickets
