The Prom Study Guide

Student
Matinee
Series
The Prom: A New Musical
Chad Beguelin, Bob Martin, Matthew Sklar
Study Guide
The Prom: A New Musical Show Art
Writers
Chad Beguelin (Lyrics, Co-Book) is a four-time Tony Nominee whose
works include Disney’s Aladdin (Tony Award Nomination for Best
Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for
Outstanding Lyrics and Best Book) and The Wedding Singer (Tony
Award Nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama
Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Lyrics). He also wrote the
lyrics for the Broadway musical Elf, which broke several box office
records at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. He is the recipient of the Edward Kleban Award for Outstanding
Lyric Writing, the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award, the Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla
Musical Theater Award and the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award. Chad is a
graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Dramatic Writing Program.
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Bob Martin (Book) has been working as an actor and writer in theatre, film and
television for over 3 decades. He has received many awards in both Canada and
the US, including a Tony for his work on the Broadway production of The Drowsy
Chaperone. Recent TV projects include “Slings & Arrows I, II & III,” (TMN,
Sundance), “Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays I & II” (CBC), “Sensitive Skin I & II”
(HBO), and “Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas” (NBC). Recent theatre projects include
Second City Toronto (Performer, Director, Artistic Director), The Drowsy Chaperone
(Toronto, Broadway, London) , Elf (Broadway, Dublin, London), Minsky’s (LA),
Gotta Dance (Chicago), and in development; The Sting, and Millions.
Matthew Sklar (Music) Tony®, Emmy®, and Drama Desk Award-nominated
composer. Broadway: Elf; The Wedding Singer (Tony Award Nomination for Best
Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Music).
Television/Film: "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas", starring Jim Parsons and adapted
from the Broadway musical Elf, produced by NBC and Warner Bros. Animation
(2015 Primetime Emmy® Award Nomination for Outstanding Music Direction);
Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did For Love, seen on PBS/American Masters; “Sesame
Street”; “Wonder Pets!”; “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”. Awards include
the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award, the Gilman/Gonzalez-Falla
Theatre Award, and the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award.
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Synopsis
Emma becomes an instant outcast—and a national headline—when her high school cancels the prom
rather than let her attend with her girlfriend. Sensing a chance to correct an injustice—and maybe get
some good publicity along the way—a group of fading celebrities takes up the cause, and invades
Emma's small Indiana town. But their bumbling attempts at social activism make the situation far worse
than they—or Emma—could have ever imagined. Cultures clash and the town erupts in chaos. The
community's reputation, Emma's future, and the actors' careers all hang in the balance, until a true hero
emerges to save the day. Uproarious and ultimately uplifting, this new musical proves that standing up
for yourself—and inspiring others to accept their differences—can make you the star you were always
meant to be.
Director
Casey Nicholaw (Director, Choreographer) Currently represented on Broadway
as director and choreographer of Something Rotten (2015 Tony© nominee- Best
Director) and Disney’s Aladdin (2014 Tony©, Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle
Award nominations- Best Choreography), co-director and choreographer of The
Book of Mormon (2011 Tony©, Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle Awards as codirector with Trey Parker, receiving the same nominations for choreography as
well as an Olivier award). Other Broadway credits as Director/Choreographer:
Tuck Everlasting, ELF: The Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Tony©, Drama
Desk & Outer Critics Circle nominations); Monty Python’s Spamalot directed by
Mike Nichols (2005 Tony©, Drama Desk & Outer Critics Circle nominations for
Best Choreography). TV: a 2013 episode of NBC’s “Smash”.
Actors
*Mary Antonini (Ensemble) could not be more thrilled to be part of The Prom at
The Alliance Theatre. Some favorite credits include Jesus Christ Superstar on
Broadway, at The La Jolla Playhouse and at The Stratford Shakespeare
Festival, West Side Story (Anita) at The Asolo Rep and The Paramount Theater. She
was also in The Flaming Lips Musical: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots at The LaJolla
Playhouse and spent three seasons at The Stratford Shakespeare Festival where
she did several shows including Camelot, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and West
Side Story. Mary sends her deepest thanks to the whole creative team and crew,
DBA, Mum, and love to the Ladle. www.maryantonini.com
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*Brooks Ashmanskas (Barry Glickman) Broadway: Shuffle Along, Something Rotten
(CD; also with Casey Nicholaw directing), Bullets Over Broadway, Promises,
Promises, Present Laughter, The Ritz, Martin Short - Fame Becomes Me (CD; Tony &
Drama Desk Nominations), The Producers, Gypsy, Little Me, Dream, How To
Succeed…, and On The Twentieth Century (Actor's Fund Benefit). Off-Broadway:
Wise Guys (NYTW), On A Clear Day… (Encoresrokaw), London Suite (Union Square),
Labor Day (MTC), Songs For A New World (WPA), It Changes Every Year
(Malaparte), Fit To Be Tied (Playwrights Horizons), and, as choreographer, The New
Century (Lincoln Center), Why Torture Is Wrong: And The People Who Love Them
(Public) and The Understudy (Roundabout). Regional: Ford's, Mark Taper, A.C.T.,
Huntington, McCarter, Hangar, Hartford, Williamstown, Kennedy Center, Old Globe, Arena, Boston
Playwrights, Portland Center for the Performing Arts. Tours: Cinderella, Noises Off. Film: “Julie and
Julia”. TV: “The Good Wife”. B.A. from Bennington College.
*Anna Grace Barlow (Alyssa) is SO excited to be here at the Alliance with this very
special show. She resides in Los Angeles, where she primarily works in TV & Film.
Credits include recurring roles on FOX's “Scream Queens” & Freeform's “The
Fosters,” as well as guest starring roles on “Bones,” “Castle,” “Faking It,” “Scream,”
“Best Friend's Whenever” and “I Didn't Do It”. Her movie musical, “Summer
Forever,” is available on iTunes, Amazon & Google Play. Much love and thanks to
my family and my Taylor. @therealagbarlow
*Courtenay Collins (Mrs. Greene) is honored to be in this production and
proud to represent her beloved hometown Atlanta in this cast. Alliance
Theatre: The Geller Girls, Jacques Brel…, Into the Woods, Smart Cookie,
Managing Maxine, Love Jerry. Georgia Ensemble Theatre: Calendar Girls,
Hello Dolly!. Atlanta Lyric: Catch Me if You Can, Evita, New York &
Touring: Eating Raoul, The Phantom of the Opera (Ken Hill), Beauty and
the Beast. Recordings: Nightingale, One For My Baby, A Merry Little
Christmas. Obnoxious Juilliard Graduate. Love to the three hungry men in her life that granted her
permission to leave the kitchen for this production.
*Collins Conley (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in The Prom! In addition to
working on the Prom developmental lab last summer, she has also performed as a
member of the St. Louis Hoofer’s Club, The Maltz Jupiter Theatre (The Will Rogers
Follies) and The Metropolis Performing Arts Center. She is excited to be making
her Alliance Theatre debut with such an incredible team and is so thankful to God
and her family for their support, guidance and most importantly unending love.
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*DeMarius R. Copes (Ensemble) is so very excited to be in Atlanta working at the
Alliance theatre for the summer. Some of his favorite credits include: Newsies (1st
Nat'l Tour), A Chorus Line (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Les Mis, 42nd Street, Hairspray
(Red Mountain Theatre), and A Chorus Line, Merrily We Roll Along (Rider
University. Love to Mom, Lynne and Rae for endless support. @DeMariusR_Copes
*Kevin Csolak (Ensemble) Broadway: Original Cast How The Grinch Stole
Christmas (ensemble u/s Danny-Who) Off-Broadway: World Premiere Cirque du
Soliel's Wintuk (Jamie), Burnt Part Boys (Dusty) Film/TV: Disconnect, KC
Undercover, Gortimer Gibbons, Inside Amy Schumer, Mysteries of Laura, Blue
Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, also TV/Radio Commercials. Industrial/Music Video;
Kanye, JayZ, NeYo, Solarc Productions (choreographer/dancer) Shout out to
Ivan and the LA team! Thank you to Tim and Leslie at Don Buchwald, Pace
University, my teachers/mentors over the years, family; Leesa and Keith Csolak,
brothers Kurt and Steve and The Star Maker School. Honored to be a part of
this incredible cast!
*Shelby Finnie (Ensemble) is so excited to make her debut at the Alliance
Theater! Credits include The Prom (Developmental Lab), Little Dancer
(Developmental Lab); member of The Sarasota Ballet Company, Radio City
Rockettes, and proud graduate from the dance department of University of
North Carolina School of the Arts. Incredibly grateful to tell this important story,
one that so many people need to hear. Much love to Mom and family for all of
your support.
*Josh Franklin – (Ensemble, U/S Trent Oliver & Mr. Hawkins) Josh is
thrilled to have his Alliance debut with this beautiful show. Broadway:
Anything Goes, Ghost, Legally Blonde and Grease. Tours: Jersey Boys (Bob
Gaudio), Grease (Danny), Anything Goes (Billy-Helen Hayes nom), All
Shook Up. Recent roles include Corny Collins in Hairspray, Sam
Wainwright in A Wonderful Life (Goodspeed), and Bobby Child in Crazy For
You (Stratford Festival). Josh released his debut album in 2013
(iTunes/Spotify) and his second album, "Spent" will be release this Fall! Thanks to friends, family, this
awesome creative team and his sweet, sweet dog Sookie. He tweets sometimes: @thejoshfranklin.
*Damon J. Gillespie (Ensemble) Broadway credits: Newsies, Aladdin. Other: Dear
Evan Hansen, West Side Story-Carnegie Hall, The Good Swimmer. Television:
Emmy-Winning "Girl You Don't Need Makeup" on "Inside Amy Schumer". For:
CCPA, CCA, Gray, Mom, Grace, Family, the Bros. Please Enjoy. Leviticus 19:18
Damonjgillespie.com
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*Sheldon Henry (Ensemble) is a native New Yorker and has BFA from The
Hartt School of Music. Some of his recent/favorite credits: South Pacific
National tour (Seabee, U/S Henry), 20th Anniversary Riverdance
International tour, Guys and Dolls (Benny), DreamGirls (Curtis), Central
Ave Breakdown (NYMF/DIMF), Five Guys Named Moe (No Moe, Big Moe),
Buddy Holly (Apollo Singer), Tommy (specialist, Harmonica player),
Parade (Newt Lee), A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Present),
ShowBoat. Sheldon is also a proud alum of Boys Choir Of Harlem. He would like to say thank you to his
family, friends and wonderful agents at CarsonKolker for their continued support.
*Caitlin Kinnunen (Emma) Broadway: The Bridges of Madison
County (Carolyn), Spring Awakening (Thea). 1st national tour: Next to
Normal (Natalie US). Regional theatre: Williamstown Theatre Festival,
Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, Weston Playhouse, The 5th Avenue
Theatre, Village Theatre, and Seattle Children’s Theatre. Film/TV credits
include “The Intern,” “Sweet Little Lies,” “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” “We
Need to Talk About Kevin,” "The Knick," and "Law & Order: SVU". Thanks
to M, D, J, K, and P. www.caitlinkinnunen.com
*Josh Lamon (Ensemble; US Barry Glickman/Sheldon Saperstein)
Broadway: Finding Neverland (Original Cast & Recording), Elf and Hair
(Original Revival Cast & Recording). Off-Broadway: Shakespeare In The
Park’s Into The Woods starring Amy Adams & Donna Murphy, originated
the roles of Larry/Buddy in Lapine/Finn’s Little Miss Sunshine (2nd Stage),
A New Brain (Encores!, Original Cast Recording), February House (Public)
and Little Me! (Encores!). National Tours: Hair (Helen Hayes Award),
Wicked (1st National). TV: Inside Amy Schumer, 30 Rock and Deadbeat. Original Composition: Bloody
Bloody Angela Lansbury: Murder She Wrote Live! Thank you Casey(s), Bethany, Bob, Matt, Chad & MaryMitchell! Tweet me: @JoshLamon; Instagram: @Josh.Lamon. Proud member of Actors Equity.
*Clayton Landey (Sheldon Saperstein) It is a joy to be back at the Alliance.
Over 40 plays, 50 film, 180 TV episodes, 85 commercials. Recent: Storefront
Church (Theatrical Outfit) Warrior Class (Alliance Theatre) Little Foxes
(Theater In The Square). Drama-Logue Award, LA Weekly Award, Maddy,
Garland Award, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Nomination: Names. “Norma
Rae,” Clayton’s first film, is in The Library of Congress National Film Registry.
Venice “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” Cannes “She’s So Lovely,” Sundance
“Shadow Hours”. Upcoming: “Sully,” “A Sunday Horse,” “Camera Store”.
Starred “1st and Ten,” first original comedy series for HBO. Recurring roles on
ten other TV series. Currently “If Loving You Is Wrong,” 3 seasons “Knots
Landing,” 1 year “Days of Our Lives”. This one is for Mr. Pickett.
*Beth Leavel (Dee Dee Alan) Beth is thrilled to be back at the Alliance
where she was last seen in Tuck Everlasting. She has received Tony,
Drama Desk, NY Outer Critics Circle and L.A. Drama Critics awards for her
performance as the title character in The Drowsy Chaperone. Beth also
received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for her
role as Florence Greenberg in Baby It’s You. Beth has been seen in eleven
Broadway shows (and counting), including Emily in Elf, Donna in Mamma
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Mia!, Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, Dorothy Brock in the revival of 42nd Street, Tess in the
original company of Crazy for You, Mrs. Bixby in The Civil War, Ellie in Hal Prince’s Show Boat and
Anytime Annie (her Broadway debut) in 42nd Street. She recently made her NY cabaret debut at 54
Below to sold-out audiences. Ms. Leavel was also seen in New York City Center Encores! production of
No, No, Nanette as Lucille. Numerous off-Broadway, regional theatre, commercials and TV, including the
final episode of “ER”. M.F.A. from UNC-G. Proud mom to T.J. and Sam. Ms. Leavel is proud to be a 2016
Lunt Fontanne Fellow.
*Becca Lee (Ensemble) – Becca is thrilled to make her Alliance Theatre
debut in The Prom. She was a part of The Prom lab in NYC last summer is
so happy to be back with this fantastic cast & creative team! Regional
Theatre favorites: The Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn), High School Musical
(Gabriella), and Hello, Dolly! Becca most recently toured as a
singer/dancer with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and has danced
professionally on several television shows and for the NBA. Many thanks to the creative team for this
incredible opportunity. Love to MOM (wouldn’t be here without you!) & C. @itsbeccalee
*Kate Marilley (Ensemble/US Dee Dee Allen) is thrilled to make her Alliance
Theatre debut with this beautiful show! Select credits include:
Broadway/National Tour Billy Elliot (Mum u/s), White Christmas (Judy
Haynes), Amazing Grace (Mrs. Catlett), Can-Can (Marie, Pistache u/s), My
Pairs (Yvette Guilbert), Damn Yankees (Lola), Singin' in the Rain (Kathy
Selden), 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), On the Town (Ivy Smith), Seven Brides
for Seven Brothers (Ruth, Milly Bradon u/s), A Chorus Line (Sheila),
Something's Afoot (Lettie), Silk Stockings (Ninotchka), Half a Sixpence (Flo Bates), Kiss Me, Kate (Kate
u/s), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide u/s) and more. BFA from Carnegie Mellon. Huge thanks to the creative
team for this opportunity, and her parents and husband for their continued love and support!
*Isabelle McCalla (Ensemble/US Alyssa) is thrilled to be making her Alliance Stage
debut. Regional Credits include: Asolo Repertory Theatre (West Side Story),
Theatre Under the Stars (Mary Poppins), Actors’ Playhouse (West Side Story), the
Muny (Holiday Inn, 42nd Street), and Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (Legally Blonde,
Singin’ in the Rain) among others. BFA University of Michigan. Love and thanks to
the creatives, the ladies at Judy Boals Inc., and my family.
*Chris Medlin (Ensemble) Past credits include Memphis (Ensemble, Gator u/s),
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Benjamin) and The Miracle
(Gabriel and John the Beloved). He has also previously worked on “Vampire
Diaries” and “Bunheads”, and alongside Missy Elliott, Pharrell, and Daft Punk. Chris
is thrilled to be making his first appearance in the Atlanta theatre community at
the Alliance Theatre with this fantastic team and cast! Love to his grandmother and
the rest of his family! @mrmedlin
*Martin Moran (Marion Hawkins) Broadway: Spamalot, Cabaret, Titanic,
Bells Are Ringing, How to Succeed in Business…, Big River. Recent Off-
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Broadway includes his one-man play, All the Rage (2013 Lucille Lortel Award, Outer Critics Circle Award
nomination), O’ Earth, The Cradle Will Rock and A Man’s a Man at Classic Stage Company. OBIE Award
and two Drama Desk nominations for his 2004 solo play The Tricky Part, based upon his memoir of the
same title. Regional: The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Huntington Theater. Film and television: “Private
Parts,” “The Newsroom,” “The Big C,” “Possible Side Effects,” “Law & Order,” “L&O Criminal Intent”. All
The Rage, his new memoir, was just released by Beacon Press. Alltherageplay.com
*Becca Petersen (Ensemble, u/s Emma). Becca is thrilled to be making her Alliance
Theatre debut! National tour: Newsies (swing, u/s Katherine, u/s Medda). Regional:
MUNY, MTWichita, and the NYC developmental lab of The Prom. Thanks to Casey,
Telsey, Harden-Curtis Associates, BYU, and her wonderful family and friends!
*Angie Schworer (Angie) is thrilled to be making her Alliance debut. She is
currently in the Broadway production of Something Rotten. Other Broadway
credits include: Ulla in The Producers with Matthew Broderick and Nathan
Lane, Big Fish, Catch Me if You Can, Young Frankenstein, Annie Get Your Gun,
Chicago, Sunset Boulevard, Crazy for You, and The Will Rogers Follies.
Metropolitan Opera: The Merry Widow. Regional: Sweet Charity (Nikki),
Chicago (Roxie), Damn Yankees, (Lola), The Full Monty (Vicki), Minsky’s
(Ginger), Crazy For You (Irene), The Will Rogers Follies (Z's Favorite). TV: "Law and Order: CI,” "Queer
Eye," "As The World Turns," "Kennedy Center Honors" and "Smash". Film: "The Producers".
*Christopher Sieber (Trent Oliver) has been performing since age 9 in his parents’
living room including: Christopher Sieber Comedy Cavalcade of 1976 and MOM!
WATCH ME! The dashingly handsome, super talented and extremely humble Mr.
Sieber has been a Broadway mainstay for over 15 years. Performing in over a dozen
Broadway shows such as Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Thoroughly Modern Millie
(Trevor Grayden) opposite Sutton Foster, Into the Woods with Vanessa Williams,
Chicago (Billy Flynn), original cast of Monty Python's Spamalot- first TONY
nomination! Shrek The Musical (Lord Farquaad- 2nd TONY-nomination!) opposite
Sutton Foster (again) and Brian D'arcy James. Took over from Terrence Mann as
King Charlemagne in the revival of Pippin; two and a half years as the evil
headmistress Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical. Television: “Two of a Kind” (as Mary Kate &
Ashley Olsen's dad), “Sex And The City,” “It's All Relative,” “Ed,” “Elementary,” “The Good Wife,” “Law
and Order SVU,” and numerous soaps where his recurring characters never went anywhere... follow
me!! @therealsieber
*Brendon Stimson (Ensemble/Dance Captain) is over the moon to be
making is Alliance debut! Huge thank you to the cast, crew, Casey, Casey,
John and EVERYONE who put this Prom together! Broadway: Something
Rotten!, Newsies (OBC), Honeymoon in Vegas (OBC), West Side Story.
Regional: In Your Arms (Old Globe Theatre), West Side Story (Papermill
Playhouse). BFA Syracuse University, CGF client. Brendonstimson.com.
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*Teddy Toye (Ensemble) Teddy is thrilled to be returning to The Prom and to be
making his Alliance debut! Broadway: Lysistrata Jones (Harold), Bring It On
(Swing). Regional: Seussical The Musical (The MUNY), The Last Smoker in America
(Jimmy), Spring Awakening (Otto), High School Musical (Ripper). TV: "Americas Got
Talent", "One Life To Live", "The View". Thanks to MSA and Love to his family and
friends! @TeddyToye
*Aléna Watters (Ensemble/ U/S Angie/Mrs. Green) Alliance Debut! Broadway:
Sister Act (Original Tina/Nun), The Addams Family (Original Saloon Girl Ancestor),
West Side Story (Anita standby). Off-Broadway: NEWSical, Boobs! The Musical.
Regional: Ever After, Turn of the Century, Brooklyn, Beehive, Shout!. Concerts: Bette
Midler’s "Harlette" in NYC at the Met, and work in The Showgirl Must Go On, Las
Vegas; member of the USO Show Troupe. Aléna is featured in the critically
acclaimed documentary The Standbys. BA- Musical Theatre/Acting-UNCo, & proud
member of Actors Equity Association. Love, sass & fabulousness to my beloved
friends, family, Dave Secor & Telsey crew! www.alenawatters.com
*Michelle West (Ensemble) is elated to be making her Alliance Stage
Debut! New York credits: West Side Story (Rosalia, Carnegie Hall), Avenue
Q (Gary Coleman, Westchester Sandbox). National Tours: Memphis: The
Musical (Ethel/Ensemble), Jim Henson's Sid the Science Kid Live (Gerald).
Regional: Legally Blonde, Hello, Dolly! (Sacramento Music Circus) The
Wizard of Oz (Walnut Street Theatre), West Side Story (Asolo Repertory
Theater). Michelle graduated with a B.F.A. from Temple University. Much
Love and Thanks to Gregg Baker, my wonderful family, boyfriend and friends. www.MichelleWest.net
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Characters (in order of appearance)
Emma – a high student who wants to bring her girl friend to prom
Mrs. Greene – Head of the PTA at James Madison High and mother of Alyssa
Mr. Hawkins – Principal at James Madison High
Dee Dee Allen – Famous Broadway actress trying to revitalize her career
Barry Glickman – Famous Broadway actor also trying to revitalize his career
Sheldon Saperstien – Dee Dee and Barry’s agent
Trent Oliver – unknown actor who’s down on his luck
Angie – ensemble member in Chicago
Mandy - cheerleader at James Madison High; picks on Emma
Ashley - cheerleader at James Madison High; picks on Emma
Alyssa – Emma’s secret girlfriend
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Unfamiliar Words and Phrases from The Prom: A New Musical
Jerry Herman - an American composer and lyricist, known for his work in Broadway musical theater. He
composed the scores for the hit Broadway musicals Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles
Stephen Sondheim - an American composer and lyricist known for more than a half-century of
contributions to musical theatre. Sondheim has received an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more
than any other composer, including a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre),
eight Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, the Laurence Olivier Award, and a 2015 Presidential Medal of
Freedom. His best-known works as composer and lyricist include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to
the Forum, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George,
and Into the Woods. He wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy.
Godspell -
musical by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak. It opened off
Broadway on May 17, 1971, and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since,
including a 2011 revival which played on Broadway from October 13, 2011, to June 24, 2012. The
structure of the musical is that of a series of parables, mostly based on the Gospel of Matthew.
Monster truck rallies - A monster truck is a vehicle that was originally just a pickup truck that was
modified with a larger suspension and larger tires. A monster truck show usually involves the trucks
crushing smaller cars and flying over large dirt jumps in numerous competitions. These events usually
consist of racing, freestyle, donut competitions and wheelie competitions. Monster truck events are
generally perceived as a rural pastime for people of lower economic status.
Carrie - a musical with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael
Gore. Adapted from Stephen King's novel Carrie, it focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic
powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. When she is
humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she wreaks havoc on everyone and everything in
her path. It is considered one of the most legendary flop musicals ever produced.
Gregg Barnes – an American costume designer for stage and film. Barnes is a two-time winner of
the Tony Award for Best Costume Design for his work on the Broadway productions of The Drowsy
Chaperone (2006) and Follies (2011).
Bob
Fosse
-
an
American dancer, musical
theatre choreographer, director, screenwriter, film
director and actor. He won 8 Tony Awards for choreography. He was nominated for four Academy
Awards, winning for his direction of Cabaret.
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Fosse girl – a dancer who moves in the style of Bob Fosse
Chicago - an American musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book by Ebb and Bob
Fosse. Set in Prohibition-era Chicago, the musical is based on a 1926 play of the same name by
reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about actual criminals and crimes she reported on. The story is
a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the "celebrity
criminal."
PTA- Parent Teacher Association- a local organization of parents and teachers for promoting closer
relations and improving educational facilities at a school, typically headed by a parent of a child
attending the school.
FDR- Franklin Delano Roosevelt- (1882-1945) an American statesman who served as President of The
United States of America from 1933 to 1945.
Eleanor Roosevelt- politician, diplomat, and activist, dedicated to expanding the roles for women in the
workplace, the civil rights of African Americans and Asian Americans, and the rights of World War II
refugees. Married to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Girders- structures made to help reinforce a bridge.
Bursitis - Inflammation of the fluid-filled pads (bursae) that act as cushions at the joints, caused by
repetitive movement in the joints.
Tina Louise-(1934-Present) an American actress known for her role as “Ginger” on the comedy
television series Gilligan’s Island.
Gilligan’s Island - an American sitcom created and produced by Sherwood Schwartz via United Artists
Television which followed the comic adventures of seven castaways as they attempted to survive the
island on which they had been shipwrecked. Most episodes revolve around the dissimilar castaways'
conflicts and their unsuccessful attempts, for whose failure Gilligan was frequently responsible, to
escape their plight.
Non-equity- a performance or position that is not part of the Actor’s Equity Association, meaning it does
not receive benefits that actors who are protected by the Actor’s Equity union receives.
Young Turk - a progressive, revolutionary, or rebellious member of an organization, political party, etc,
esp one agitating for radical reform
RADA - Royal Academy of Dramatic Art- (1904-Present) a drama school in London, England
Sean Penn (1960-Present) - an American actor, filmmaker, and activist. In September 2005, Penn
traveled to New Orleans, Lousiana to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. He also is involved in advocacy
for same sex marriage, and relief efforts after the 2010 Haiti earthquake and flood survivors in the Badin
district of Pakistan.
Cleft Palate - a birth condition that leaves openings or splits in the roof of the mouth and lip.
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Sweeney Todd - a musical thriller Set in 19th century England, the musical details the return
of barber Sweeney Todd to London after 15 years of exile, in order to take revenge on the corrupt judge
who banished him. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book written by Hugh Wheeler.
Mensch - German word meaning “person of integrity or honor.”
The Miracle Worker - a play about Anne Sullivan, the teacher who helped Helen Keller, a woman who
was blind and deaf due to illness.
Memphis- a musical loosely based on 1950’s disc jockey Dewey Phillips, who was one of the first white
DJs to play black music.
Riedel- Michael Riedel- an American journalist for a popular musical theater review column in The New
York Post.
Eva Perón (1919-1952) – the second wife of Argentine President Juan Perón. The subject of the musical
Evita.
Instagram- a smart phone application used to share photos.
Bernadette Peters (1948- Present)- an American actress regarded by many as the foremost interpreter
of the works of Stephen Sondheim, Peters is particularly noted for her roles on the Broadway stage,
including in the musicals Mack and Mabel, Sunday in the Park with George, Song and Dance, Into the
Woods, Annie Get Your Gun, and Gypsy.
Grey’s Anatomy- an American medical drama on television.
Saks (Saks Fifth Avenue)- an American department store.
Hello Dolly - a musical based off of The Merchant of Yonkers.
Carol Channing (1921- Present)- an American performer, known for her performance in Broadway
musicals like Hello, Dolly! and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Channing Tatum (1980- Present)- an American actor who starred in Magic Mike, Magic Mike XXL, and
Step Up.
Elphie (Elphaba)- character from the musical Wicked, noted as “The Wicked Witch of The West.”
Galinda/ Glinda- character from the musical Wicked. The musical Wicked deals with themes of
popularity, right verses wrong, and going with or against the accepted conventions. Galinda tries to help
“Elphie” become popular, but the two learn something else instead.
Paul Goebbels (1897-1945)- a German politician who worked closely with Adolf Hitler during Nazi
Germany.
Jimmy Fallon (1974-Present)- an American performer currently hosting “The Tonight Show With Jimmy
Fallon.”
Leviticus- the third book of the Old Testament. It is the book of laws.
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Hamptons - an area on the east end of Long Island, New York, known to be an affluent vacation spot.
Julliard - The Julliard School is located in New York City and was established as a performing arts
conservatory in 1905.
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Relevant Articles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
LGBT History
Fricke v. Lynch https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fricke_v._Lynch
Aaron Lynch v. Richard B. Lynch https://www.aclu.org/files/FilesPDFs/fricke.pdf
Supreme Court Legalizes Gay Marriage Nationwide
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/26/supreme-court-gay-marriage_n_7470036.html
Court Overturns DOMA http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwoway/2013/06/26/195857796/supreme-court-strikes-down-defense-of-marriage-act
Between The Lines of the DOMA Opinion
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/06/26/us/annotated-supreme-court-decision-ondoma.html?_r=0
Secular Arguments Against Gay Marriage http://www.debate.org/opinions/are-there-anysecular-arguments-against-gay-marriage/arguments/2F586D2B-225B-46FF-B61CEC024CEDB973
Gay Marriage Timeline http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/06/24/same-sexmarriage-timeline/29173703/
The Extraordinarily Common Violence Against LGBT in America
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/06/the-extraordinarily-common-violenceagainst-lgbt-people-in-america/486722/
Fun Home https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fun_Home
LGBT Youth
1. Gay and Transgender Youth Homelessness By The Numbers
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/lgbt/news/2010/06/21/7980/gay-and-transgenderyouth-homelessness-by-the-numbers/
2. LGBTQ Homeless Youth Fact Sheet
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/LGBTQhomelessFactSheetbyNAEH.pdf
3. Gay Homeless Youth Left Out In The Storm http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culturedesk/gay-homeless-youth-left-out-in-the-storm
4. Homeless Gay Teen http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/the-forsaken-a-risingnumber-of-homeless-gay-teens-are-being-cast-out-by-religious-families-20140903?page=3
5. One Town’s War on Gay Teens http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/one-towns-war-ongay-teens-20120202
6. Slew of Organizations Help Atlanta’s LGBT Youth http://thegavoice.com/slew-lgbt-organizationsold-new-line-helpt-atlantas-lgbt-youth/
7. Press Release: 1 in 4 Atlanta Homeless Youth are Gay or Transgender
http://equalityfederation.salsalabs.com/o/35006/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=23381
Current Events LGBT
1. 2010 Itawamba Prom School Controversy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Itawamba_County_School_District_prom_controversy
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2. Mississippi School Pays Damages to Lesbian Teen
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/20/mississippi.lesbian.settlement/
3. Alabama High School Un-bans Prom http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/21/greenvillehigh-school-prom_n_4826861.html
4. Florida’s Oldest High School Crowns Same Sex Couple Its Prom King and Queen
http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/09/floridas-oldest-high-school-just-crowned-its-first-same-sexcouple-as-prom-king-and-queen-5870473/
5. Orlando Shooting http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/12/us/orlando-nightclub-shooting/
6. Man With Weapons Heading to LA Pride Parade http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-lngay-pride-la-weapons-20160612-snap-story.html
7. Timeline of Orlando Shooting http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/12/us/orlando-shootingtimeline/index.html
8. Lin Manuel Miranda Tony Speech http://www.eonline.com/news/772233/hamilton-s-linmanuel-miranda-gets-emotional-at-the-tony-awards-when-honoring-orlando-shooting-victims
9. 10 Years in Prison for Seattle Gay Club Arsonist
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Neighbours-arson-Cheap-whiskey-or-intolerable5659983.php
10. New Mormon Policy LGBT Youth http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mitch-mayne/new-mormonpolicy-on-lgbt_1_b_9083714.html
11. Indiana Roadmap to Discrimination http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2015/11/18/3723348/indianalgbt-road-map-to-discrimination/
12. Girl Kicked Out of Prom for Tux http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/09/us/pennsylvania-prom-suit/
Homophobia
1. Hating Gays: An Overview of Scientific Studies
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/assault/roots/overview.html
2. Exploration of Homophobia and Participation in High School Sports
http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/sop.2007.50.4.597
3. Avoiding Shame: Young LGBT People http://www.jstor.org/stable/20461068
4. Homophobia in High School http://www.jstor.org/stable/40364643
5. Homophobia in Schools http://www.jstor.org/stable/20709489
6. HRC LGBT Hate Crimes Report http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/Hatecrimesandviolenceagainstlgbtpeople_2009.
pdf
Prom
1. 21st Century American Prom ONLINE ONLY http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the21st-century-american-prom-160178820/?no-ist
2. Brief History: The Prom
http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1987594,00.html
3. Why High School Prom Happens http://www.stuffmomnevertoldyou.com/blog/why-highschool-prom-happens/
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4. Uncomfortable Histories of High School Prom Podcast Online Only
http://www.stuffmomnevertoldyou.com/podcasts/uncomfortable-histories-of-high-schoolprom/
5. Prom Statistics http://www.statisticbrain.com/prom-night-statistics/
6. From Promenade to # Prahm
http://www.slate.com/blogs/lexicon_valley/2014/06/19/prom_language_history_of_the_word
_from_promenade_to_hashtag_prahm.html
7. The Production of Heterosexuality at the High School Prom ONLINE ONLY
https://books.google.com/books?id=w_fCpGIRt5sC&pg=PA193&lpg=PA193&dq=The!Production
!of!Heterosexuality!at!the!High!School!Prom,(in+THINKING(STRAIGHT,+THE(POWER,(THE(+PRO
MISE,(AND(THE(PARADOX(OF(HETEROSEXUALITY&source=bl&ots=EXwhLAZi4u&sig=Qk3n4D0xE
3y_ofagWCI7ZBIP6FE&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwifkumh45jNAhVHpB4KHbkYDysQ6AEIHjAA#v
=onepage&q=The!Production!of!Heterosexuality!at!the!High!School!Prom%2C(in%20THINKING
(STRAIGHT%2C%20THE(POWER%2C(THE(%20PROMISE%2C(AND(THE(PARADOX(OF(HETEROSEX
UALITY&f=false
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Indiana
What is a Hoosier? http://www.indianahistory.org/teachers-students/hoosier-facts-fun/funfacts/what-is-a-hoosier#.V31NitIrLs0
Indiana Fun Facts https://visitindiana.com/about-indiana/fun-facts
12 Famous People You Didn’t Know Were From Indiana
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/indiana/famous-hoosiers/
Bloomington, Indiana https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomington,_Indiana
Gary Indiana https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary,_Indiana
New Harmony Indiana https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Harmony,_Indiana
History of Indiana http://www.history.com/topics/us-states/indiana
Indiana http://www.infoplease.com/us-states/indiana.html
33 Indiana Facts http://www.movoto.com/guide/in/indiana-facts/
Other
1. How Does A Video Go Viral http://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sectornetwork/2015/nov/05/youtube-what-makes-video-go-viral-charities
2. Why Videos Go Viral
https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_allocca_why_videos_go_viral?language=en
3. The Truth About Celebrity Giving http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/24/oprah-philanthropycelebrity-biz-media-cz_dkr_1124charitycelebs.html
4. When Celebrities Become Philanthropists
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jul/29/when-celebrities-becomephilanthropists
5. Celebrities Hire Philanthropy Consultants
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/nov/14/entertainment/la-ca-celebrity-charity-20101114
6. How Internet and Social Media Are Changing Culture http://www.aspeninstitute.cz/en/article/42014-how-the-internet-and-social-media-are-changing-culture/
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7. Godspell Synopsis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godspell
8. Godspell Song List http://musicals.net/cgi-bin/songlist?sn=32&show=Godspell
9. The Insurrectionist: An interview with publicist Jack Martin http://www.holmesreport.com/longreads/article/the-insurrectionist
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The Prom: A New Musical in the Classroom
Pre Show Questions:
1. What are some of the most important events in the lives of high school students? Is it
necessary that each student participate in each event?
2. Are cliques helpful or harmful to a teen’s social life? Defend your position.
3. How does a person’s appearance impact the way they feel about themselves? Does
his/her clothing impact his/her sense of self worth?
Post Show Questions:
1. Discuss Dee Dee and Barry’s approach to “saving Emma.” Do you believe it helpful?
2. How does Mr. Hawkins’s opinion of Dee Dee change over the course of the play? How
does Dee Dee’s opinion of herself change?
3. What are some of the stereotypes included in the musical? How are they like people in
real life? How are they different?
Creative Writing Prompts:
1. Write a portion of the play from the perspective of Mr. Hawkins or Alyssa.
2. Write a script for a short YouTube video advocating for a cause you care about.
3. Write a synopsis of your own original musical. What would it be about? What would the
set, costumes, and other design elements look like? Who would star in it?
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The Prom: A New Musical at the Alliance Theatre
The Prom: A New Musical at the Alliance Theatre