Zombie Prom-the name might leave theater-goers wondering. With a title like that it'd be possible to imagine this weekend's Torn Ticket II's Balch Arena Theater production, as a strange brew of horror and romance, kitsch and comedy-and you'd be right, dead right.
The play, written by John Dempsey, tells the love story of Jonny and Toffee, two nuclear age teenagers. Scott Doty plays Jonny, the stereotypical "bad boy." Meanwhile, Kat Mulready, as Toffee, is the quintessential girlfriend, pressured by her parents to end their relationship. Grief-stricken by their breakup, Jonny attempts to end his life by jumping into the Francis Gray Powers Nuclear Power Plant...but it doesn't work. He returns as a zombie to wreak havoc on the town and his former girlfriend. The resulting misadventures culminate in a surprisingly hilarious twist ending, which words can not even begin to describe.
A '50s style musical, the off-Broadway favorite is reminiscent of the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors. Indeed, it has all the characteristics of a campy B-movie: over-acting and outrageous costumes including updos, slicked cowlicks, and pink-frilled tuxedo shirts. The production crew even authenticated the props, using the classic fifties space-age architectural style known as "googie" to depict the nuclear plant. As senior Kate Goldberg's character Miss Strict, attests, "It's all-round ridiculous." Indeed, the cast and crew have had fun with the production. If they're not laughing at the silly Von Trapp-esque prom attire, the actors are giggling about the funny lyrics of the play's songs. However, for Mulready, the highlight of Zombie Prom has been the unity of the cast and production crew. Stage Manager Amanda Berkowitz concurred: "It's so much fun."
Beyond the fun, much work has gone into the production. For director and senior Mike Robb, a two-year veteran of Torn Ticket II who made his directorial debut with last year's Freshman Orientation Show, it was Zombie Prom's performance space that presented a significant challenge. The Arena Theatre is notorious for its blocking issues, though Robb has tried to spread the actors around to prevent facing actors' backs toward the audience.
Nevertheless, Zombie Prom has worked comfortably in Balch. Since mid-September, the cast and crew have been rehearsing Monday through Friday for an average of three hours a day. With such a time commitment, it's no wonder the entire ten-person cast and extensive production staff find themselves attached to each other and to the play. Indeed, the outrageous humor and "rock-ish" style of the musical has overcome some skeptics' initial reservations about the frumpy cupcake dresses and '50-style musical numbers. Goldberg, for example, can't help admitting to a newfound a genuine fondness for such songs as "Zombie Jamboree," a farcical calypso dance number. The cast is expecting an early sell-out both Thursday and Friday, as well as a full house Saturday night; they are advising patrons to purchase their tickets in advance from the box office. Robb, who found the script while nosing around on Napster.com, believes that after last year's West Side Story, Torn Ticket II was in need of an unabashed comedy. According to the young director, the musical is pure entertainment with "no redeeming social value, no prerequisite soul searching, no deeper ramifications," and a finale that guarantees a big grin.
Zombie Prom comes back to life tonight, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and at the 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the box office in the Aidekman Arts Center.
