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Director's Note:

HOLY MOLY! “Here’s to high school, how it flies!” It’s hard to believe that it’s already spring musical time at RPA. With an extra fall show, guest artist workshops, the Musical Theatre Benefit, student-directed one acts, competitions, and middle school one acts, this has been one packed season for our department.

I first learned of Zombie Prom at the International Thespian Festival in 2016, and I very much judged a play by its cover. To say that I dragged my feet into the theater would be an understatement, but the curtain rose and in less than one song, I was hooked by its campy goodness.

It seems fitting that of all shows to identify my bias, it was Zombie Prom. Powered by an electric-green zombie who is all heart and not at all what he seems, Jonny (without an H, mind you) is a heavy reminder to look beyond exteriors. Our hero must work against prejudice to win back his love and finish his education. Anything but polished, Jonny Warner is branded less than desirable by the tyrannical principal, Ms. Strict. Rules, regulations, and respect reign supreme at Enrico Fermi High school, contrasting sharply with the educational freedom of Redmond Proficiency Academy. Leave it to Jonny to remind us that looks can be deceiving and “beneath all the trauma, he’s still just a kid.”

Anyone who spends time in the RPA Theatre can clearly see why Zombie Prom was a must musical for our department. It’s over-the-top, high energy demands are well suited for this enthusiastic troupe of diehard Thespians. This show has been an absolute blast, blast, blast! Every rehearsal has been filled with laughter, challenges, and love. I could easily go on for pages about the talent of this cast and crew, but the true glory of RPA Theatre is the RPA Theatre family. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire RPA Theatre department for the immense heart and passion they exude.

“You make my life worth living for.”

Thank you for supporting educational theatre at the Redmond Proficiency Academy and enjoy the show!

          Kate Torcom

    RPA Theatre Director