Review: ZOMBIE PROM A Camp Charmer

ZOMBIE PROM is an Off-Broadway musical that was later adapted into a short film. It was first produced at the Red Barn Theatre, Key West, Florida in 1993. It opened off-Broadway in 1996.

The story is set at Enrico Fermi High School, which is near an unstable nuclear power plant. The students and staff include Jonny (John Byiringiro Singleton), a rebel who spells his name without an 'H', the good-girl heroine, Toffee (Brandi Ware), and Miss Strict (Brian Cheslik), the school principal. Jonny and Toffee meet and fall in love. Toffee's parents (Garret and Gordon Roden), of course, forbid her from seeing Jonny. She reluctantly breaks up with him, and Jonny commits suicide by hurling himself into the Francis Gary Powers nuclear power plant, causing a "class 3 nuclear disaster". He is buried at sea in international waters, with the rest of the nuclear waste. When Jonny comes back as a zombie to take Toffee to the prom a myriad of secrets are hilariously revealed.

TILT Performance Group was founded four years ago with a mission to produce theatre using performers who are uniquely abled. At a cast and crew of 25, this production is their most ambitious project to date. These performers engage their audiences with a joy that causes an empathic reaction while you are being entertained. Their current company motto is "Theatre with a Difference. Anything is Possible". This statement could not be more true, and their commitment shows so clearly the healing and educational power of live theatre.

ZOMBIE PROM is a perfect choice of material for this group, with its messages of inclusion and acceptance of people who are different. Director Adam Roberts (who doubles as the live accompaniment) has lovingly directed the company to showcase the unique abilities of his entire cast. While this entire cast is utterly charming, there are some standout performers who shine and deserve special mention. Brandi Ware and John Byiringiro Singleton, as young lovers Toffee and Jonny, possess glorious singing voices that soar on these songs. Brian Cheslik gives a wonderfully campy drag performance as Miss Strict. Jessica Michallick is charming as Toffee's friend Candy and Kristin Gooch has a great number that shows off her comedic skills.

TILT Performance Group's production of ZOMBIE PROM is a camp charmer that will make you laugh, entertain you, and ultimately make you feel just a little better knowing you live in a town where this kind of magic can and does happen. What more could you want?

ZOMBIE PROM: ATOMIC EDITION, Book and Lyrics by John Dempsey. Based on a story by John Dempsey & Hugh Murphy. Music by Dana P. Rowe. Adapted by Marc Tumminelli

Running Time: Approximately One Hour, no intermission

ZOMBIE PROM, produced by TILT Performance Group , at Bravo Theatre at Balance Dance Studios, 4544 South Lamar Boulevard, Suites 200 and 300, Austin, TX, 78745.

Performance nights October 20, 21, 27 and 28, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Matinees Sundays October 22 and 29, 2017 at 2 pm
Tickets: https://m.bpt.me/event/3079927

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