The Lafayette Arts Hub leans into the homophobic tensions in an otherwise upbeat musical

In Edgewater, Indiana, tensions rise over more than just putting on a dance. The Arts Hub in Lafayette, under Lexie Lazear’s pointed direction, brings to life an absorbing production of The Prom.

The production spotlights the turmoil that ensues when a young woman fights to take her girlfriend to the dance, igniting the town’s emotional resistance to same-sex couples.

This production has it all. Yet, under Lazear’s direction, there’s a palpable essence of hate and resistance simmering beneath the typically upbeat vibe of a Broadway musical.

Obsessed with stopping an inclusionary prom, Mrs. Greene (Tyra Toepfer), the president of the PTA, sets the stage for the battle against acceptance and inclusion. Although somewhat of a secondary role, Toepfer has expanded the emotional texture and brought to life a different side of The Prom. Her performance is laced with biting remarks and a cold indifference towards anyone who might be considered different. Well done, Ms. Toepfer.

In comes the cavalry. Four washed-up Broadway stars travel to Indiana and take it upon themselves to save the day, ensuring that Emma Nolan (Lexi Rhem) can safely bring her date, Alyssa Greene (Arabella Chamberlain), Mrs. Greene’s daughter, to prom.

Rehm gives a touching and tender performance as the young woman trying to acknowledge and be faithful to her true feelings about love. Caught in her mother’s web of disdain, Chamberlain appropriately flip-flops throughout the story between her love for Emma and seeking her mother’s acceptance.

Kevin (Max Blessis) is a force to be reckoned with in the primarily female ensemble. Always in the moment, Blessis delivers an energetic performance, albeit disregarding Emma and her desire for acceptance. However, we see a different side of Kevin in the finale when he chooses his dance partner.

Although it sounds like a depressing couple of hours in the theatre, a big Broadway musical wraps itself around the plot and lifts the production to an often humorous and song-filled experience.

Well-rounded production

With book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin, and music by Mathew Sklar, there are many opportunities for the cast to shine with high praises to music director Tanner Kelly, who has the entire cast in top form musically.

Lazear has chosen a different path for this production of The Prom. We still have the highly amusing antics of Barry Glickman (Kevin Eksterowicz) and DeeDee Allen (Cooper Rae). However, the focus remains on discrimination toward the gay community, making for a meaningful production and not just your run-of-the-mill Broadway songfest.

In the end, Lazear masterfully blends pointed commentary with musical-comedy mayhem, encapsulating the essence of The Prom as a reflection of ongoing societal experiences.