Since I discovered ZOMBIE PROM in 1999 (the year Southridge opened), I have wanted to direct and produce this production that juxtoposes the classic sromance featuring a boy from the wrong side of the tracks meeting a girl from a well-to-do family (ROMEO & JULIET) with the 1950's musical style of GREASE with the quirkiness of THE WALKING DEAD and characatures of the old ZOMBIE PROM graphic novel. I loved the 'campy' B-movie aspect of the production itself and was entertained its absurdity. Then when students and I attended the International Thespian Festival in 2017 we witnessed Arab Musical Theatre produce ZOMBIE PROM. We saw electricity radiate through the house as they followed these characters through a story that has a deeper meaning that what meets the eye. I knew then, that when I had the right group of performers and the right opportunity I would direct this production. Guess what? That time is now.
Many behind-the-scenes elements brought this production together. In scenic design you see is several months of pre-design work attempting to create the perfect design that encapsulates the ideas of nuclear fusion, nuclear family, rock concert staging and theatrical suprise and alternative staging that is not what we always do. The yellow and gold theme throughout warns the audiences that there is impending danger around every corner. Whether that danger is speaking out in defense of what you want, or being willing to break the strangle hold of conformity, or standing firm to your own beliefs, or being willing to take a risk on something that everyone around you sees as odd, or unusual or out-of-the-ordinary. The basic construction, entwined circular levels and acting areas, was based on the idea of the simple atom, it keeps everything together and the electrons flow continuously around the central hub which is this design is the nuclear fall out shelter, held together by one of the most beautiful backdrops that I have ever had the opportunity to place on our stage (Thank you Arab Musical Theatre for this original design). Costuming is based upon the 1950's poodle skirt, petticoat era with the strictness of the dress codes that were prevalent in that era of academic rigor only to be overshadowed by the three R's of education of the era "Rules, Regulations and Respect"
After students had auditioned for this production in November, we have been working tirelessly to bring this performance to life. Despite the not so "main stream" aspect of this performance (meaning it's not the average SOUND OF MUSIC, MARY POPPINS), this show has been gaining momentum with more companies and high schools producing it. That is why i am absolutely radiant to be the producer and artistic director of ZOMBIE PROM.
As a theatre family we have had myriad of hurdles to overcome from Illnesses, to sprains, to vocal rests, to physical rests, and losses, and scares and brutal realities, but we made it to this point. We are strong! We are here and we are ready! I honestly can not say how grateful I am for so many people who have made this production come to life, but I will list them quickly: Nathan Fewer for making Jonny transform into a Zombie in less than 12 minutes; Anna Rikli for being an emotional support and fabulous vocal coach, colleague and friend; Cameron Jerde for being willing to down-size for a year, being there for me emotionally this year, and being an incredible Band and Pit Director, colleague and friend - We got this!; Samuel Holdaway for taking the pressure of intricate period choreography off my shoulders and also being an incredible choreographer, colleague, and friend; Maria Copelan, Kris Kebisek and Shawn Fortner for being there when I have needed your advice, wisdom and positivity; Mike Amos, Justin Gorubec and Chris Whisenant for being my patient go-to dads who can make my crazy ideas seem sane; David Nieslanik for all you have done to keep me going day to day; Lucy Cantwell for being able to read me like a book and for being three steps ahead of me at all times, and keeping me on task and schedule; Luc Amos for visualizing this set and my crazy ideas and bringing them to life with your light artistry.
I want to leave you with this timely thought from Jonny and Toffee:
Jonny - "There are bound to be people... who won't accept us as a couple."
Toffee - "I know that. But I also like to think that there are people who will understand our love...No matter what the future brings..we'll always
have each other! Thank you!"
Enjoy the show
Jim Fewer- Director
