BY: Robert Jowaiszas, Community Editor/Reporter
The Elmwood Playhouse’s production of The Prom brought laughter, color, and touching emotion to its Nyack stage, proving that even a small theater can deliver Broadway-sized heart. At the center of the story is Emma Nolan, portrayed by Hayden Gelman, a courageous lesbian student who simply wants to go to the prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa Greene, played with warmth and sincerity by Natasha Fallen. Gelman’s performance was layered with strength and vulnerability — she gave Emma a quiet confidence that drew the audience in from her first song to the final curtain. Fallen’s Alyssa balanced the emotional pull between love and family expectations beautifully, making their scenes together among the most heartfelt of the night.
When the high school cancels the prom rather than allow the girls to attend together, Emma’s story becomes the focus of a self-serving rescue mission by a band of out-of-work, narcissistic Broadway performers who see a cause as their ticket back into the spotlight. Chad Paul Hudson’s Barry Glickman filled the stage with comic energy and flair, while Anne Cavaliere’s Dee Dee Allen captured both the egocentric glamour and gradual humility of a Broadway diva learning to care about more than applause. Sean Lynch-Littlejohn’s Trent Oliver was a riot — delightfully over-the-top and irresistibly charismatic — while Leanna Newell’s Angie radiated warmth and wisdom as the veteran showgirl with a big heart. James Lugo, as School Principal Mr. Hawkins, grounded the chaos with sincerity and compassion, offering Emma the encouragement she needed to stand tall. And Mitchell Schneider’s Sheldon Saperstein, the frazzled PR man, kept the laughs flowing every time he rushed onstage.
The ensemble cast deserves high praise for keeping the show’s momentum alive with sharp choreography and crisp transitions. Their energy filled the room, especially during numbers like “Love Thy Neighbor” and “Tonight Belongs to You,” where synchronized movement and expression carried both humor and heart. Even the slower scene changes were handled with care and intention, giving the audience time to absorb the emotion without losing rhythm.
The production sparkled from start to finish under the spirited direction and choreography of Jason Summers, who filled every corner of Elmwood’s intimate stage with motion, precision, and purpose. Musical Director Josh Vreeland kept the harmonies tight and the energy high, giving the cast confidence to soar through every musical moment. Janet Fenton’s costume design vividly reflected each character’s personality — from Dee Dee’s showbiz shimmer to Emma’s more modest simplicity — while Eric Zoback’s set design and Deanna Koski’s lighting transformed the compact stage into a vibrant world of high school halls, hotel lobbies, and the prom night. .
By the time the curtain fell, the audience was on its feet — laughing, clapping, some even wiping away tears. The Prom at Elmwood Playhouse was more than a musical; it was a celebration of love, courage, and acceptance, brought to life by a director and cast who understood that theater’s real power lies in heart, not scale.
Producer: Ayn Lauren
The Prom will be playing at The Elmwood Playhouse from November 7th to December 6 2025
For tickets and box office information: elmwoodplayhouse.com