"The Prom" at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Photo Credit: Dan Norman, 2023.
As a Twin Cities Theater Blogger, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to experience so many rich and varied arts events in Minnesota. But one of the events I most look forward to is a new musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT). There is a lot of reasons why I love to go to CDT (check out my past Artfully Engaging posts on Camelot, Sister Act, and Footloose). Some of my favorite reasons to see a show at Chanhassen are the multiple courses of food, amazing service, and the spectacle of colorful costumes, creative sets, and beautiful live music and dance. However, last week when I attended the press night of "The Prom" I got more than I bargained for! It was emotional for me to be seeing the story of two young queer women on stage. It wasn't a side plot, casually implied, or a comedic device. It was LGBTQIA+ representation and inclusivity and, as you'll read below from the artists involved: joy.
Here are five reasons why I think you should see "The Prom" too...
Here are five reasons why I think you should see "The Prom" too...
Exclusive $20 Discount On "The Prom" Tickets for YOU!
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Use the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers' promo code TCTB1 as a $20 discount per ticket on ANY performance of The Prom through March 12, 2023.
If you attend the matinee on March 4, 2023 we’ll be hosting a talkback afterwards with the Director Michael Brindisi and cast members Monty Hays, Maya Richardson, and Tod Petersen. Follow this link for discounted tickets and the code should apply automatically!
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REASON 5 TO SEE "THE PROM":
Queer Stories Matter! Tyson Insixiengmai (he/they), an ensemble member of the show, reminds us that 'nobody out there gets to define' our unruly hearts. The musical embodies the essence of queer acceptance and advocacy, and it's a message that we all need to hear."
Maya Richardson (she/her) as Alyssa Green and Monty Hays (they/he) as Emma Nolan in "The Prom" at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Photo Credit: Dan Norman, 2023.
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Excerpt from Unruly Heart Lyrics:
No matter what the world might say This heart is the best part of me So, fears, all in the past Fading so fast I won't stay hidden anymore I'm who I am And I think that's worth fighting for And nobody out there ever gets to define The life I'm meant to lead With this unruly heart of mine |
REASON 4 TO SEE "THE PROM":
Talented Ensemble with live music & big dance numbers! KateMarie Andrews (she/her), an ensemble member, believes that people should see The Prom because it's a "beautifully written, entertaining, and emotional story." One of her favorite moments has been bonding with the cast and working on the big dance numbers! Shining performances by this cast will remind you of what Broadway heart and fierceness are all about. I was unfamiliar with the music from the show before attending and I found the contemporary Broadway style of the music to be approachable, understandable, and tracks I'll be adding my personal music playlists.
REASON 3 TO SEE "THE PROM":
Live Events are Back! With the recent pandemic, live events have been scarce. Lussi Pearl (she/they), an ensemble member who also understudies for the role of "Emma," is excited for people to see The Prom because it's a chance to finally come together as a community again and experience the magic of live theater. I truly recommend bringing family and friends with you because this experience is best when shared! I always love my ride home after going to the CDT musicals because there is so much to talk about.
Monty Hays as Emma Nolan in "The Prom" at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Photo Credit: Dan Norman, 2023.
REASON 2 TO SEE "THE PROM":
Radical Joy! Maya Richardson (she/they), who plays "Alyssa Greene," says that "queer youth joy is a radical act," and this musical showcases that brilliantly. "Every rehearsal is filled with people watching scenes on the sides, holding their hearts."
And The Number 1 Reason to see "The Prom" in Chanhassen:
Familiar yet Fresh!
It's great to see contemporary musicals, support living artists, and resonate with the issues of our times! Resident Artistic Director and CDT President, Michael Brindisi (he/him) says “It’s a privilege to be a theatre company that is among the first to get the newer titles, and we’re so happy to bring them to our audiences when it happens. [...] We are also actively working to develop and widen our audience scope as we look to our future.”
Alissa Hiltner, in charge of social media for the show, thinks everyone should come see because it tackles contemporary issues that so many people deal with, while encouraging everyone to feel heard and welcomed in the community.
Tamara Kangas Erickson (she/her), the choreographer, says that while The Prom may be new for many theater-goers, it will seem familiar. "With hilarious comedy and incredible music, this show is a pure celebration - a high-energy musical with a poignant and important story centered on love and acceptance that will delight everyone who sees it."
It's great to see contemporary musicals, support living artists, and resonate with the issues of our times! Resident Artistic Director and CDT President, Michael Brindisi (he/him) says “It’s a privilege to be a theatre company that is among the first to get the newer titles, and we’re so happy to bring them to our audiences when it happens. [...] We are also actively working to develop and widen our audience scope as we look to our future.”
Alissa Hiltner, in charge of social media for the show, thinks everyone should come see because it tackles contemporary issues that so many people deal with, while encouraging everyone to feel heard and welcomed in the community.
Tamara Kangas Erickson (she/her), the choreographer, says that while The Prom may be new for many theater-goers, it will seem familiar. "With hilarious comedy and incredible music, this show is a pure celebration - a high-energy musical with a poignant and important story centered on love and acceptance that will delight everyone who sees it."
Jodi Carmeli (she/her) as Dee Dee Allen and Joenathan Thomas as Principal Hawkins in "The Prom" at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Photo Credit: Dan Norman, 2023.
So there you have it, five compelling reasons to see "The Prom"! I highly recommend this musical to anyone who loves musicals, since there are lots of fun Broadway references. Go and see the show and discover a hundred more reasons why The Prom is a must-see!
And, as a disclaimer, I received two dinner and show tickets in exchange for writing about my time at the show. But trust me, with the range of ticket prices, the quality of the cast, and the reasons listed above, the value is there: get to the theater!
Artfully,
And, as a disclaimer, I received two dinner and show tickets in exchange for writing about my time at the show. But trust me, with the range of ticket prices, the quality of the cast, and the reasons listed above, the value is there: get to the theater!
Artfully,
Ticket Information: "The Prom" February 10 – June 10, 2023
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The Prom may be most appropriate for guests age 11 and up per CDT.
Dinner and show ticket prices:
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday evenings $83 Friday and Saturday evenings $98 Wednesday matinees $73 Saturday matinees $80 Sunday $93. Groups of 12 or more are eligible to receive special discounts. For specific times, reservations and information, call the CDT box office at 952-934-1525 or visit ChanhassenDT.com |
CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES
501 West 78th Street Chanhassen, MN 55317 |
Congrats to the cast, crew and Chanhassen Dinner Theatre Staff who made this production possible!
Can't get enough of The Prom? Here's some thoughts on the show from more TCTB writers:
"A classical musical comedy with some quirky aspects. The story is moving, the music is great, and the two young leads - Monty and Maya are incredible!"
Life in Revue
Life in Revue
"While there is much in the script that is riotously over-the-top — the eccentric New York drama queens, the colorful outfits, a halftime Godspell-backed performance at a monster truck rally — there is equally real representation of the struggle between generations, the inner emotions of young adults coming of age, the ignorance that, if left unexamined, can tear families and communities apart."
phenoMNal twin cities
phenoMNal twin cities
 "The Prom" runs through June 10, 2023
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"I applaud CDT for taking a chance on The Prom. It’s as crowd pleasing and entertaining as anything they’ve ever done and I think it has the potential to bring a younger audience to the theatre."
The Stages of MN
"The Prom shines a bright light on the very real issue of intolerance, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, but does so in a non-threatening and non-judgmental way, with plenty of humor."
Cherry and Spoon |
"After decades of staying within the reliably profitable realm of musical theater canon and crowd-pleasers for older audiences, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is taking a risk with The Prom, which opened on Friday and runs for an abnormally short four months (Footloose, their last show, ran for a year)."
One Fan Show
One Fan Show
"The choreography by Tamara Kangas Erickson is terrific. I’m going back to the show in a couple weeks, and I’m most excited to watch more of the dancers. The dancing is spectacular!"
Play Off the Page
Play Off the Page
"We arrived a few hours ahead of the performance to be seated for dinner. As it is the Dinner Theatre I have to mention the delicious food we got: [...] It felt much like the prom itself, first out to dinner with friends then off to an evening that makes you wanna dance!"
Lettered in Theatre
Lettered in Theatre
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