This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Feb. 14, 2011 - Holy crap! Jonny's come back from the dead! Green skin, purple hair … you know what this means ... it's time for a Zombie Prom! Francis Howell woke the dead in its production of "Zombie Prom."
Zombie Prom opened off-Broadway in 1996, and in 2006 was adapted into a short film featuring a mostly unknown cast with the exception of RuPaul. Dana P. Rowe and John Dempsey added the music and lyrics to the show. The story takes place in the poodle-skirt filled 1950s where love finds itself at Enrico Fermi High school. The bad boy Jonny and innocent Toffee find themselves falling in love only to be torn apart by overbearing parents and Principal Delilah Strict. After Jonny makes a rash move and Toffee falls into a deep depression, let's just say Enrico Fermi High gets zombified!
Ethan Isaac was able to give Jonny (without an H) Warner characterization as distinct as the unique spelling of his name. Isaac impressed the audience through carrying his part even in that crazy green zombie makeup. Playing Toffee, Olivia Cassidy shone as the typical confused and love-stricken teenage girl. Isaac and Cassidy had great chemistry throughout the production creating heartfelt scenes.
Stealing the show, Michelle Adzido portrayed the commander-like principal, Miss Delilah Strict. Adzido kept the audience roaring with laughter through her comedic timing and hilarious gestures. She especially excelled in the song, "Rules, Regulations, and Respect," a highlight of the show. Other notable performances include Nick Tarpinian as Eddie Flagrante and Kassie King as his secretary, Shelia. Each brought his and her fair share of laughs to the production.
The general cast lacked the energy and facial expressions needed for such a comedy. Though many fell flat, Ginger (Nicole Junkel), Coco (Aurielle Macchi), and the Announcer/Jackson (Nic Branson) deserve praise. These three cast members often outdid their cast mates and also showed their beautiful voices throughout the night.
Costumes (Alex Schad) and set (Kaytie O'Day) were excellently done. The colorful poodle skirts and fun prom dresses were time appropriate, and the set created a lovely high school feel. A major problem throughout the show was sound. Microphone feedback seemed to constantly plague the stage. However, it was not only the microphones; actors needed to help the sound crew out by enunciating and projecting their lines.
Francis Howell brought out the humor, horror and fun successfully making the audience "look beneath the goo" to understand that even trouble-making zombies have a heart in this production of "Zombie Prom."
About the Cappies
The Critics and Awards Program for high school theater - known as Cappies - was formed in the aftermath of the Columbine shooting to celebrate writing and performing arts at America's high schools. It operates chapters across the nation.
St. Louis' program was launched in 2002-03.
This year, 16 schools are participating, producing 32 shows. Some 195 student critics will write nearly 1,000 reviews of the productions.
At the end of the year, the top performers, technicians and reviewers are honored during a Tony-style gala.
The Beacon is happy to help spread the word by printing some of the reviews.
Mia Kweskin is a student at Parkway Central High School