The Prom
OCTOBER 13 - 29
Directed by Joanna Hardie with Music Direction by Brandon Peck.
Book & Lyrics by CHAD BEGUELIN, Book by BOB MARTIN, Music by MATTHEW SKLAR
Based on an original concept by JACK VIERTEL
Originally Produced on Broadway by Bill Damaschke, Dori Bernstein, Jack Lane. Original Broadway Production directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.
Join us as we celebrate the kick off of our inaugural season in the new Buxton Center for Bainbridge Performing Arts with the electrifying and heartwarming journey of "The Prom," a Broadway musical that celebrates love, acceptance, and self-discovery. Follow Emma, a high school student fighting for her girlfriend and against a canceled prom. With riotous humor and touching moments, this show embraces diversity, friendship, and standing up for what you believe in.
"The Prom" delights with catchy musical numbers spanning genres, captivating choreography, and energetic performances. But it's the heartwarming story that truly sets it apart. As Broadway stars navigate their egos and struggles, they learn valuable lessons about empathy and acceptance, evoking laughter and tears.
Although set in a specific context, "The Prom" resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. It's a celebration of the power of theater to bring people together, challenge prejudices, and create positive change within communities.
Don't miss your chance to witness the magic up close and personal at BPA. Join us for an unforgettable night of laughter, tears, and the joy of live theater. Purchase your tickets today and be part of an inspiring, entertaining experience that will have you talking and singing about it long after the curtain falls. Get ready to dance your heart out!
This event takes place at The Buxton Center for Bainbridge Performing Arts at 200 Madison Ave. N. Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.
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"The Prom" is a generally upbeat and positive musical, but there are a few elements that could be uncomfortable for some guests.
Homophobia and Discrimination: The plot revolves around a lesbian high school student who faces discrimination and homophobia in her small Indiana town.
Language: There is some adult language and humor throughout.
Alcohol Use: There are scenes where characters consume alcohol.
CAST & CREW
Olivia Opalski as Emma
Olivia is beyond excited to be playing Emma in The Prom as her first-ever leading role in a main stage production! BPA has been a pivotal part of her theatre experience, as she participated in her first acting camp with the organization at age four and has since performed in multiple main stage productions. Some of her past shows with BPA include Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A Christmas Story, The Wizard of Oz, and Matilda. Olivia is grateful for all those who have supported her over the years!
Evelyn Cantwell as Alyssa
Evelyn has been performing since age three, finding an incredible creative outlet at BPA. You may have seen Evelyn in BPA’s Matilda: The Musical, heard her on the Bainbridge Pod Accomplice, or met her in the BPA box office! When not at the theater, Evelyn enjoys drawing and painting, beekeeping, and traveling whenever possible. She is thrilled to join such a fantastic team for The Prom!
Joey Chapman as Barry
This is Joey's eighth production with BPA. Previous BPA performances include Rocky Horror, Mamma Mia, Xanadu, Priscilla, Little Mermaid, Drowsy Chaperone, and A Chorus Line. A proud BPA Board member, Joey sends love to his husband Christopher, Mom, friends, and family who always support him. Tonight belongs to you, Dad!
Natalie Anne Moe as Dee Dee
Natalie is pleased as punch to be back onstage at BPA, 18+ years (!) after her first appearance here as Kate in Kiss Me, Kate. Most recently, she appeared with Reboot Theatre Company in Seattle in productions of 110 in the Shade, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Cabaret. Previous favorite roles include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (ART), Irene Molloy in The Matchmaker (Taproot), the Acid Queen in The Who's Tommy (SMT), and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (Centerstage). Thank you to everyone who enjoys and supports live theatre!
Christopher Clark as Trent
Christopher Clark is honored to celebrate BPA’s next chapter as an occasionally insufferable member of Broadway’s elite! With gratitude to those who shine their light bright, even when it’s scary. Recent credits include Wolf Play (ACT), See How They Run (Drama Dock). Chris’s first feature film, Ingress, was shot on Bainbridge Island and opened the first annual Bainbridge Island Film Festival this summer, as well as the Seattle Film Forum, Climax, and Berlin Filmhaus festivals—streaming soon! Love and thanks to Mary, as soaring and majestic as Andrew Lloyd Webber, and an even bigger fan of my Phantom.
Colleen Gillon as Angie
Colleen is totally zazzed to return to the new and improved BPA stage with this delightfully unruly group. Audiences may recognize her from past BPA performances including Bill Slank in Peter and the Starcatcher, The Witch in Big Fish, Janet van de Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone, Olive Ostrovsky in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Brooke/Vicki in Noises Off, Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Remember, if your hands are shaking, just turn them into Jazz Hands!
Todd Baylor as Mr. Hawkins
Todd’s been out of the game for a while but what better time and place could there be to knock the rust off than the grand opening of an cherished and hallowed space. As always, “I’m grateful to be here”, between these four walls, amongst these incredible people and in front of you. Thank you.
Rachel Brinn as Mrs. Greene
Rachel is thrilled to join the cast of The Prom at BPA. She is also the department coordinator for the Art, Performance Production, and Theater departments at Cornish College of the Arts.
Nancy Nucci as Sheldon
Nancy Nucci is ecstatic to be part of The Prom at the new Buxton Performing Arts Center. She is a strong ally of the LGBTQ community. She plays male and female presenting roles such as The Sargent/Ensemble in Pirates of Penzance; The Bishop/Ensemble in Jekyll and Hyde; and, Ferapont/Vlad in BCT's Three Sisters. She had the honor to perform Sebastion and Juno in BPA's The Tempest as well. Nancy is most grateful to work with a first-class cast, Director and backstage crew.
Addie Beermann as Shelby
Addie is so excited to be back on the stage, after 4-5 years. Addie has done theater for over 12 years.Addie got the opportunity to be in some of BPA’s main stage shows like A Christmas Story in 2016 and for The Wizard of Oz in 2018. Addie hopes you enjoy the show!
Kit Marquez as Kaylee
Kit is thrilled to be playing Kaylee in her first BPA production! She's newer to the theater scene with 2-3 years of experience in her local high school theater club. She got high praise for her roles in Footloose, Ramona Quimby, and A Wrinkle in Time! She's thrilled for you all to see the show!
August DeRonghe as Nick
August is a local non-binary actor rejoining BPA from past Theatre School performances. From summer camps, to local and school performances, August has always had a passion for theater, working both on and off stage in technical roles as well as multiple acting/singing roles since the age of 5.
Dan Opalski as Monster Truck Announcer, Reporter, Parent, Godspell Cast
Dan is grateful for the chance to give it a whirl in his first BPA production and is excited to perform with this amazing cast. He previously has been in three shows with Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest, including as Albert in Bye Bye Birdie. He also sings with Ovation's choir, Crescendo. Dan thanks family and friends for their support.
Heidi Watson as Reporter, Parent, Godspell Cast
Heidi Hartz Watson is a freelance advertising writer living on Bainbridge Island. She’s honored to be working with Joanna, Brandon and team. She recently performed in “Sound of Music” as a nun and Baroness Elberheldt (Ovation! 2022). She thanks Mark, Olive and Emmett for their love, support and inspiration. This is her first performance with BPA.
Kendra Truett as Olivia Keeting, Motel Clerk, Godspell Cast, Parent
Kendra's excited to be in her second BPA show following The Tempest. As a rock/jazz singer, actor, burlesque performer, and even singing telegramer, this California transplant's having fun getting to know the theatrical community in Washington. Favorite show credits include Little Shop, Ruthless, Wild Party, and Man of La Mancha.
Kestrel Rundle as Reporter, Parent, Godspell Cast
Kestrel Rundle has been seen on the Bainbridge stage most recently in the Ten-Minute Play Festival (Island Theatre), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (BPA), and The Sound of Music (Ovation!). With love and thanks to C.
Dolly Courtway as Brittany
Dolly Courtway is thrilled to be a part of another wonderful production in the new Buxton Center theatre! She is a rising sophomore at Bainbridge High School and has been involved in the arts for her whole life. Dolly is very happy to be working with such an incredible cast and crew!
Ed Courtway as Coach, Godspell Cast, Reporter, Parent
This is Ed’s first return to the stage since his debut in a 1983 Church Christmas pageant, where he was the stable. He is beyond grateful to the talented and beautiful cast and production team for their kindness, patience, and tutelage.
Hugo Gustafson as Kevin
Hugo is thrilled to join the cast of The Prom. He got his acting start in the Roald Dahl production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, alternating between Grandpa Joe and an Oompa Loompa in the Orca K-8 School Production. More recent credits include the BPA class and showcase, Bainbridge to Broadway, and Matilda. Hugo looks forward to continuing his training and auditioning for future shows.
THE BAND
Brandon Peck - Music Director / Conductor / Keyboard
Brandon is excited to return to BPA with this dream team! Previous credits include The Pajama Game (RSP) at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Priscilla...Desert at BPA, and First Date and South Pacific with CDA Summer Theatre. Love to Rich, Puck, and Sebastian.
Scot Sexton - Drums
Scot Sexton is a professional drummer with over 20 years of experience and 300 musical theater show credits to his name. Select New York City show credits include: Wicked, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, Spamalot, Avenue Q, The Producers. Select Seattle credits include: And So That Happened, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, Lydia and the Troll, The Hello Girls.
Marian Silberstein - Violin
Marian Silberstein is a freelance violinist/violist, and a certified Mark O’Connor method teacher (www.stringstudio.net). She has appeared at Town Hall with the Puget Sound Symphony, and at Benaroya Hall with the Harmonia Orchestra and Ensign Symphony. Marian plays regularly at island churches, the Bainbridge Symphony, and the Olympic Serenade quartet.
Matthew Tevenan - Cello
Matthew Tevenan is pleased to be playing this, his first show at BPA! Recent cellist credits include The Hello Girls and Spitfire Grill at Taproot, Cabaret at Seattle G&S, and Last World Octopus Wrestling Champion at ArtsWest. When not playing, Matthew is a technical writer at Apple.
Joe Alonso on Trombone
This is Joe’s second performance with BPA. His past performances are A Christmas Story, The Musical (BPA), Sweeney Todd (Ovation!), Masquerade (Ovation!), Cannibal! The Musical (Market Theater, Seattle), Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Market Theater, Seattle). He has also played with the Seattle Civic Band, Hometown Band, and Jazz Night School (Hal Sherman Big Band).
Arlayne Eseman - Cello
Arlayne Eseman graduated with a Masters in Cello Performance from Wayne State University a long time ago. While in school, she was a musician for Motown recordings and the backup orchestra for Paul Anka and Sammy Davis Jr. More recently, I retired as a computer geek and am now living the good life - Music, Music, Music. And 5 grandchildren.
Cameron Schneider - Guitar
Cam Schneider, graduate of SPU, has always been performing, recently as lead guitar in Tacoma Little Theater's "Rock of Ages". His musical journey has taken him to Los Angeles, Martha’s Vineyard, and many major venues in Seattle. He is excited to be a part of BPA’s run of “The Prom”.
Aimee Hong - Keyboard
Aimee Hong is an Instructor of Voice and Piano at Bellevue College, specializing in Classical and Musical Theater technique. Professionally, she is a Musical Theater Music Director, having worked with many local theaters in the area. Some of her favorite shows she has worked on include Into the Woods, Peter and the Starcatcher, Heathers the Musical, Sweeney Todd, and Big Fish. Aimee also teaches for Village Kidstage and Studio East.
Peter Vosshall - Bass
Peter is excited to be playing BPA again! Previous local credits include Fun Home and Hedwig and the Angry Inch with BPA, Rock of Ages with Tacoma Little Theatre, and Bye Bye Birdie!, Annie, and South Pacific with Ovation! Performing Arts Northwest. Peter has been playing bass for nearly 40 years and currently plays with Buckshot, an eclectic four-piece string band.
Will Sanders - Associate Music Director / Keyboard
Will is very excited to be a part of Bainbridge Performing Arts' production of The Prom. Will has served as music director, rehearsal accompanist, and/or pit keyboardist for several theaters in the surrounding area including BPA, inD Theatre, Ovation Performing Arts Northwest, Seattle Musical Theatre, and SecondStory Repertory. He has nearly 15 years of experience as a collaborative pianist and revels in every opportunity he gets to make music with others. Previous BPA credits include Mamma Mia, Xanadu, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Big Fish, and A Christmas Story.
Brian Kirk - Drums
Brian Kirk is a Professor of Jazz, Electronic Music, Music Theory, Percussion at Seattle Central College, in Seattle. Son of Indianapolis Hall of Fame drummer and educator Dr. Willis Kirk, Brian grew up in San Francisco where he performed with Gladys Knight, Marlena Shaw, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Bishop Norman Williams, John Handy, and Jessica Williams.
THE CREW
Director / Choreographer Joanna Hardie
Music Director Brandon Peck
Production Manager Deirdre Hadlock
Associate Music Director Will Sanders
TD / Scenic / Lighting Designer Ben Mueller
Sound Engineer Matt Hadlock
Costume Designer Dawn Janow
Costume Assistant Meloni Courtway
Scenic Artist Matthew Lazure
Backstage Manager Eliza Lane
Scenic Painters Denise Harris, Celeste Harris, Pam Dougherty
Scenic Builders Matthew Lazure, David Tier, Bill O’Neill
Follow Spot Operators Sabrina Fiander, Richard Gustafson, Nina Wilson
Stage Crew Trent Craighead, Gaius Nucci, Kat Briones
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
THE PROM explores a high school girl’s struggle to find her voice and discover the power of staying true to oneself. The real-world events that inspired this play are almost too awful to be believed (the girl was Constance McMillen, the year was 2010, and the school was in Mississippi, but many of the details are taken directly from the incident) but echoes of these attitudes still permeate our culture today, with gender-affirming care and ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws still being hotly and openly debated. We are so honored to bring this story to you; many in our cast and crew directly identify with parts of Emma and Alyssa’s stories, and feel the utmost responsibility to bring this town to life with empathy, humor and heart. Thank you so much for coming to see live theater! Please enjoy the show!
Joanna Hardie - Director
Joanna Hardie (she/her) is so honored to be involved in ushering in the return of BPA to the beautiful new & improved Buxton Center. Previously, Joanna has directed such shows as The Rocky Horror Show, Xanadu, and A Christmas Story, and choreographed other memorable projects including Little Shop of Horrors, The Full Monty, and Fun Home, among many other BPA projects. Most recently, Joanna was thrilled to perform as Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. During the day, Joanna is the Data Operations Manager at Seattle Rep. Thank you to my Rep team for being so supportive during this process, and to my husband Courtney for the unbelievable amount of support over the past couple of months.
SPECIAL THANKS
Kirsten Thomassen for the generous use of their guest house for our band
Kathy Elllison for costume sewing assistance and Silverdale Lucky Star for costume awesomeness
Courtney Barnaby, Dominique Cantwell for their help with props
To all those who supported our capital campaign and to those who’ve shared in building the new Buxton Center for Bainbridge Performing Arts