Bombshell Theater boldly shuffles a big, splashy musical into a harrowingly intimate space this month as it stylishly presents The Prom. Director Eric Welch cleverly weaves the feel of a massive, well-funded production into the cozy space built by Next Act Theatre. Charming Gen Z actress Madison Nowak plays Emma—a small-town high school girl who finds her high school prom endangered when she mentions interest in bringing her girlfriend to the dance. The town’s interest in cancelling the prom becomes major news, which catches the attention of a group of fading Broadway stars who march into the fray to inadvertently complicate things while trying to prove to the world that they aren’t self-absorbed ego fiends.
Russ Bickerstaff is a Contributing Editor for Shepherd Express, focusing on local theatre in Wisconsin, specifically in Milwaukee. With a passion for the arts, Russ provides insightful reviews and commentary on various productions, highlighting the talent and creativity within the local theatre scene.