★★★★★
There’s something big happening at a little theatre in Sydney’s Inner West, and people are starting to take notice. Teatro at the Italian Forum is carving out a space as a bold new creative hub, launching its slate of Australian premiere productions with the exuberant and big-hearted musical, The Prom.
Behind Teatro are Nathan M. Wright and Andrew Bevis, a pair who are driven by a clear vision: to put artists, audiences and community front and centre. On opening night, the room was buzzing. By show’s end, they were completely won over.
The Prom is a musical that thrives on that connection: it’s bright, joyful, and wears its heart on its sleeve. And it’s exactly the kind of show Teatro was built to deliver.
The Prom follows four eccentric Broadway stars whose careers are in desperate need of a revival. When they catch wind of controversy in a small town over a high school prom, they seize the opportunity to champion a cause, and in the process, put themselves back in the spotlight.
Arriving with a theatrical flourish and outsized personalities, they insert themselves into a community divided by a simple but powerful request: a student who just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom.
What unfolds is heartfelt and hilariously chaotic, as the well-meaning but self-serving performers clash with conservative parents determined to keep the dance “traditional.”
The Prom premiered in Atlanta in 2016 before transferring to Broadway, where it quickly gained acclaim. In 2019, it earned seven Tony noms, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. It went on to win the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical.
Its reach expanded further with the 2020 Netflix film adaptation directed by Ryan Murphy. The star-studded cast included Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and James Corden.
But this production’s cast leaves those names for dead. As Dee Dee Allen, Caroline O’Connor is an absolute theatrical force. Her Act One number, It’s Not About Me, brings the house down. This is a role that feels absolutely made for Caroline, and she has the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand the minute she steps on stage.
Brendan Monger brings camp comedy gold as Barry Glickman. He performs with such control that you feel entirely at ease watching him. His Barry is warm, loyal, and exactly the kind of friend you’d want in your corner.
Rounding out the team of Broadway stars is Thern Reynolds as Trent and Bella McSporran as Angie. In a life imitating art moment, Bella has stepped in for Renae Corser, who is sadly injured.
Thern is fabulously funny as the Juilliard graduate turned cater waiter, standing out in his Act Two number, Love Thy Neighbour. Bella brings legs-for-days showgirl energy to her solo, Zazz and delivers her zingers with sass and confidence.
The story belongs to Sophie Montague as Emma, who had me from their opening number, Just Breathe. Sophie has an incredible voice, it’s true. But it’s their emotional honesty that sets them apart. I wish nothing but seriously big things for this bright young talent. And don’t get caught like I did, without tissues, because Sophie’s performance will tear out your heart.
Keep your tissues on hand during Paige Fallu’s Act Two performance of Alyssa Greene as well; it is just beautiful. And it’s Alyssa and Emma’s duet, Dance With You, that is echoing in my head today.
As Alyssa’s conservative mother, Erin Bruce delivers a performance with real emotional weight. She brings depth and complexity to a character that could easily feel one-dimensional.
The ensemble fills the stage with colour and personality, elevating Nathan M. Wright’s choreography with infectious energy. It is a joy to watch a mix of emerging talent so clearly relishing the chance to perform. That sense of genuine enthusiasm radiates out into the audience.
Under the direction of Andrew Bevis, with Nathan as co-director, that clear vision for Teatro is already taking shape both on stage and behind the scenes. Musical director Bev Kennedy leads with confidence, bringing Matthew Sklar’s score to life with full-bodied sound. Cornelia Cassimatis’ costumes and Nick Fry’s set embrace the show’s spirit wholeheartedly, bursting with rainbow glitter and sparkle that perfectly match its unapologetic heart.
The Prom is a musical that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. You’ll laugh, you’ll likely cry, and you’ll leave reminded of something simple but powerful: theatre still has the ability to shift perspectives, open hearts, and bring people together. It’s a mission Teatro set out with, and one that already feels firmly within reach.
The Prom is presented by Teatro in association with On Your Feet Australia and runs to 26 April at Teatro at the Italian Forum. 23 Norton Street Leichhardt NSW 2040.
Tickets are on sale now!
Website: http://www.teatroitalianforum.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/teatroitalianforum/
Photo credits: Robert Miniter
