Open Door Theater of Acton, one of the only integrated and accessible theater troupes in the country, will stage the Tony Award-nominated musical, “The Prom: School Edition” onMarch 21-30. “The Prom: School Edition” will bring a timely message of inclusion, self-determination, and courage to audiences during its run next month at the Dragonfly Theater at R.J. Grey Jr. High School in Acton, MA.
A synopsis from Theatrical Rights Worldwide: Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, “The Prom: School Edition” expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.
“The inclusive messaging of “The Prom: School Edition” embodies Open Door’s philosophy,” said Sam Gould, president of Open Door Theater and co-producer of “The Prom: School Edition”. “The characters in this show learn that inclusion is only truly inclusive when everyone’s voice is heard and considered, especially those who are often unheard or silenced.”
“In 2025, this story of acceptance and equality should seem boring, hack, old hat, but unfortunately it’s not,” said Brian Kelly, director of “The Prom: School Edition”. “We have an obligation to keep telling it, until we’re blue (red, orange, yellow, green, and violet) in the face, if we have to. It’s not an agenda, it’s acceptance and understanding; it’s just the right thing to do.”
“As an LGBTQIA+ teenager from a small town, I especially relate to Emma’s story,” said Isabel Coviello, who plays Emma Nolan, one of the high school-aged lesbian teens at the center of the story. “Right now, it is vital to share queer experiences and amplify those voices.”
“I am thrilled to be part of Open Door Theater,” said Amy Morton, who plays Dee Dee Allen, one of the Broadway stars who swoops in. “It’s the only place in the world where inclusivity is seamless – it really is a place of joy. This is a talented group of actors, the music and dancing are incredible, and you will leave the show feeling full.”
Open Door’s high-quality productions feature actors who are Deaf, disabled, Autistic, neurodiverse, Blind and/or have mobility and cognitive challenges. Open Door is a recognized leader in Best Practices in Arts Access in New England and was awarded the Most Accessible Cultural Organization in the Commonwealth from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Up Initiative in 2019.
Over its 45-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all, including underserved audiences and participants, to enjoy live theater. All performances are relaxed, sensory friendly, and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. The second weekend’s performances will be audio-described. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Tickets and accessibility information can be found at www.OpenDoorTheater.org.
In addition to Coviello and Morton, the cast includes Sky Lokere (Alyssa), Leon Jerfita (Mr. Hawkins), Adam Sell (Barry), Bryan Rapala (Trent), and Lali Haines (Angie).
The production team includes Kelly; Rene Pfister, musical director; Becky Robichaud, Loren Beale, and Stephanie Henry, choreographers; Lisa Jensen-Fellows, stage manager; Sam Gould, Dawn Gomez, and Myla Haan, producers; and Kristin Johnson, director of artistic sign language.
Producer Myla Haan grew up in Acton. Open Door’s home theater, Dragonfly Theater, was named in memory of her mother, Jen Haan. Asked about this history, Haan wrote in an email to the Acton Exchange, “My mom joined Open Door about 21 years ago now (her first show was The King and I, alongside [Open Door president] Sam). She always wanted to be involved in some way, whether it was helping with the makeup team or creating the character, Miffy, the Open Door cheerleader. After she passed in 2007, my dad and Open Door worked with R.J. Grey to rename the auditorium to the Dragonfly Theater in her memory. She always loved dragonflies and all of her kids were told that if we ever see one, it was her checking in on us. So now, whenever I go to rehearsal and see that sign, I always smile, knowing that she’s watching me do all of this. :)”
Performances are at Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. High School, 16 Charter Road, Acton, MA 01720:
- Friday, March 21, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
- Saturday March 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
- Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
Tickets are available at www.OpenDoorTheater.org. $20 for adults and $15 for children 0-12 and seniors. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Contact Tickets@Opendoortheater.org with questions.
All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly, and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. Audio-described performances on the second weekend. All gender/family bathrooms available during performances. Visit https://www.OpenDoorTheater.org/accessibility for more information.
The production is sponsored in part by the Acton-Boxborough United Way, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, and the local cultural councils of Acton-Boxborough, Stow, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford.