Love, Acceptance and Equality: “The Prom”
“The Prom,” at Santa Monica's Morgan Wixson Theater had their opening show on Nov. 9 featuring Samo students Walden Sullivan (’25), Andy Rowles (’25), Sahar Aguilar (’26), Sterling Inatsugu (’27), Maia Goldberg (’28), Cole Huang (’28), Mia Negrete (’28) and Ethan Schwartz (’28). The musical is based on the work of Bob Martin (book), Chad Beguelin (book and lyrics) and Matthew Sklar (music), and allows these accomplished students to pursue theater off campus.
“The Prom” follows Barry Glickman (Sullivan) and his group of Broadway star friends who are all out of work, and in a slump. On their journey to “selflessly” regain fame, they travel to Edgewater, Indiana to support a high school girl, Emma Nolan, who was banned from going to the prom with her girlfriend.
Miriam Billington / Contributor
Sahar Aguilar (‘26) receives a Promposal as Sterling Inatsugu (’27) cheers her on in the crowd.
Sullivan was fully immersed in his character. He expressed Barry Glickman’s over-the-top and eccentric side with each of his dramatic yet genuine facial expressions met with many laughs from the audience. Instead of simply stating lines, Sullivan truly delivered them, bursting out into a little dance break, his acting was bigger than life. Although originally only plotting to revive his career, the audience was touched as Sullivan connected on stage with Hartmann, helping her find her confidence as she got ready to go to prom.
“I love getting reactions from the audience and I’m always just thinking about what would get them going this time, so I just love the interaction with audiences,” said Sullivan.
In supporting roles were Rowles, playing the character of Sheldon Saperstein, Glickman's Broadway publicist, and high school students Shelby (played by Aguilar) and Nick (played by Inatsugu). All thoughtfully and precisely depicted their characters, Rowles in a slightly humorous, yet more serious tone, and Aguilar and Inatsugu playing more immature and incentive teenagers. Aguilar and Inatsugu stunningly portrayed both of their characters' development and growth through the show, to becoming more accepting and loving people.
“Although I didn’t agree with most of the morals she [Shelby] had, I feel like she just somewhat went along with social norms, so it was interesting to put that into how I can relate to her, and to how she felt she needed to fit in,” said Aguilar.
Miriam Billington / Contributor
Walden Sullivan (‘25) performs with his Broadway star group at a monster truck rally advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
In addition, Goldberg, Huang, Negrete and Schwartz, played in the ensemble, elevating the show with energetic and dynamic interactions with other cast members.
These exceptional Samo students kept the audience captivated, and performed a show that filled the theater with laughter. By the end of the play they had created an atmosphere of compassion and acceptance that left the audience with an inspired and heartwarming feeling.
“The Prom” has been playing for three consecutive weeks, and still has two more performances playing Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. To catch Sullivan’s last performance, be sure to see the Saturday, Dec. 7 show!