Clarksville, TN – Written by Ken Davenport, “The Awesome 80’s Prom” at the Roxy Regional Theatre featured a cast that sparkled through the music of the era with not only audience participation throughout but sizzling singing and dancing.
Joe Filippo as Mr. Richard “Dick” Snelgrove, the principal, attempted to keep the boisterous cast in line as Stephanie Stafford as Mrs. Patty Lascalzo (or Mrs. L, the drama teacher) announced irrelevant interruptions such as the Alabama car parked in the wrong spot.
Star power went to Melissa Ann “Missy” Martin, head of the prom committee, portrayed by Sarita Amani Nash whose voice soared on “People,” the opening vocal number, “Push It,” and “I Want to Dance with Somebody”.
Charles Walljasper Robinson, who played Blake Williams, captain of the football team, belted out “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Addicted to Love,” and “Hip to Be Square,” with professional aplomb.
Swedish Exchange Student Inga Swanson’s “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Vogue” were energetic exposes performed by Allison Ferebee whose imitation of the Energizer bunny was perfection; and Patrick Long’s show stopping “Power of Love,” “Super Freak,” and “Too Legit to Quit” as he pranced in his white tails and purple shirt for Joshua “Beef” Beefarowski nearly stole the show.
The supporting, mostly professional, cast was excellent as well. Ryan Bowie, the Drama Queen Dickie Harrington, manfully battled failing microphones on “Don’t Rain on My Parade” but carried “Karma Chameleon” off without a hitch.
Emily Rouke as Whitley Whitiker, head cheerleader, was backed up by Heather Wellington played by Sidney McCarty, and Heather Wynters, portrayed by Katherine McCarty. Together they belted out “Mickey” and “Opposites Attract.”
Director Tom Thayer and Artistic Director worked alongside Emily Rourke, Charles Walljasper Robinson and again Thayer who choreographed the 24 songs in The Awesome 80s Prom. Elizabeth Coleman served as Production Stage Manager and was assisted by Georgia Smith. Light Design went to Noel Rennerfeldt with Truman Jepson as Property Mistress.
The show is an audience participation party from beginning to end with audience members dancing not only on stage but in front of their seats and in the aisles. The pace was peppy; the actors were moving with dance moves appropriate to the times; and the production was well worth the price of admission.
The Awesome 80s Prom will be playing on June 18th, 24th, and 25th plus July 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th at 8:00pm. On June 23rd, 29th, and 30th plus July 6th and 7th, the show begins at 7:00pm.
Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for kids 13 and under.
Active duty military, APSU students and CitySaver coupon holders can receive two tickets for the price of one to Wednesday and Thursday performances.
The Roxy Regional Theatre is located at 100 Franklin Street in Clarksville, TN.
Don’t miss this blast from the past–and feel free to dress in your best 80s prom outfits like a large percentage of the audience did tonight!
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