by AJ Jaffari

 Theater has long been a vehicle for social change, and The Prom is a shining example of how the stage can amplify messages of acceptance and love. Pacifica Spindrift Players’ production of this joyous musical brings that message to life with infectious energy, heartfelt performances, and a vibrant sense of community.

The Prom follows the journey of Emma, a high school student in Indiana who just wants to take her girlfriend to prom. However, her community opposes her plan. Enter a group of well-meaning but self-absorbed Broadway actors who take up her cause in an attempt to revive their own floundering careers. What unfolds is a touching and hilarious story of activism, self-discovery, and the true meaning of acceptance.

And now… onto the review!

Cast: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The cast of this energetic and vibrant production was filled with well-rounded artists who brought the show to life. Steven Ennis (Barry) and Lee Ann Payne (Dee Dee) were standout performers, leading with both hilarity and heart. Lee Ann’s impeccable comedic timing kept the audience engaged, while Steven’s hyper-flamboyance was both joyous and uplifting.

Paige Collazo (Emma) and Sage Alberto (Alyssa) made a charming duo, with Sage’s rendition of “Alyssa Greene” soaring vocally. The ensemble, though small, delivered a powerhouse performance, with standout choreography moments from Maggie Grogan (Kaylee) and Samantha Ayoob (Shelby).

One of the most striking performances came from Kim Seipel as Mrs. Greene, a role that was both challenging and deeply authentic. Her portrayal was wonderfully nuanced, capturing the harsh reality many young teens face—an impeccable performance.

Overall, the cast’s commitment and dedication shone through, and it was a joy to feel that energy reciprocated on opening night.

Theater: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You can certainly feel the love at this venue. Nestled in the charming town of Pacifica, this theater serves as a true cornerstone of the community. Parking is readily available, which is always a plus. While the theater’s layout is a bit unconventional, it exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The banquet hall offers a lovely selection of concessions, adding to the welcoming experience. No matter where you sit, you’re in for a great view—though the farther back you are, the harder it may be to hear, as the actors are not mic’d for this production. The space itself reminded me of Shotgun Players, with its intimate and immersive feel.

Overall, this venue left a wonderful impression, and I’d be delighted to return for future productions.

Production: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ With a small production crew of just eight members, you’d never know it—their work was seamless. First, I have to highlight Christine Baker’s choreography, which elevated the story in all the right ways and made the ensemble shine. The pacing of the show was well-executed, with a natural flow among the cast, a testament to director Doug Greer’s skillful direction.

One of my favorite technical aspects was the lighting. As I’ve mentioned on the podcast before, lighting in small spaces can be challenging, but in this production, it was both simple and purposeful. Vibrant colors and washes set the perfect tone, enhancing the show’s energy, while well-placed top spots during soliloquies created striking moments of intimacy.

From the performances to the production elements, every piece of this show worked in harmony to create a heartfelt and engaging experience. It’s clear that this team poured their passion into the production, and that energy was felt throughout the evening. I look forward to seeing what they do next.

The Prom at Pacifica Spindrift Players runs through February 23rd.

Tickets are available here