Presented by Ken Davenport, casting by Dave Clemmons Casting, at Webster Hall, 125 E. 11 St., NYC, July 30-Aug. 27, Fridays only.
"The Awesome '80s Prom" takes interactive theatre to a new level: The audience is most of the show. Performed in a ballroom set up as Wanaget High's senior prom of 1989, the audience is invited to dance and purchase drinks. Every 15 minutes, members of the senior class take to the stage to compete for Prom King and Queen. The audience is invited to vote. Whether or not there is a different ending depending on the outcome of the vote remains a well-kept secret.
The only connection with "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding" is that the performers circulate and remain in character. The cast includes such standard types as the cheerleader, the captain of the football team, the rebel, and the exchange student.
While all of the performers are convincing as high school teens, among the best were the eccentrics: Noah Weisberg's Nerd, Kathy Searle's Spaz, and Stephen Guarino's Drama Queen, a disciple of Boy George. Nicole Cicchella has animation and poise as the Head of the Prom Committee. As the faculty members, Fletcher Young as the Principal and Anne Bobby as the Drama Teacher are right on target.
The show is conceived and directed by Ken Davenport, who does not seem to have considered that with the entire audience standing around the dance floor, it is extremely difficult for most people to see the staged events. What could be seen of Drew Geraci's choreography appeared excellent. If the songs to which the audience dances have any significance, the sound design by Justin Rhymer is so loud that none of the words are intelligible. Randall E. Klein's costumes are fine, but Brian Pride's decorations are not very atmospheric to the period.
A word of caution: As you must stand throughout the entire evening, wear comfortable shoes and don't bring a briefcase from work.