by Shirley Lorraine
Prom – An Uplifting Experience
Remember the excitement of going to the high school prom? Did you miss going to the prom? Never been to a prom? In any case, The Speakeasy Prom event, an underground evening of new theater and live music, put on by the Fractured Actors Theater Company is now yours to enjoy, reminisce and revel in.
Donning my prom-best, complete with glitter ball earrings, I and a friend entered the hallowed halls of the 2024 prom. The room was decked with strings of lights and set for the arrival of the live band. Excitement hung in the air as the glitter ball on the ceiling spread its magic across the room. The band, Class Action, provided the tone via vintage pop and modern rock with energy that translated easily to both the attendees and the actors.
Fractured Actors has once again brought forth short, original vignettes that delve into familiar and explore more obtuse topics that may or could affect the event’s success in this day and age. The writing keeps up with the prevalence of technology as well as social stereotypes showing how much has changed since some of us were in high school. Traditional this evening ‘s prom was not. It was, however, filled with fun, hilarity and unexpected twists. It provided not only a look back, but also a glimpse into what the present and future may hold.
Between each vignette, while the minimal stage settings were being changed, the attendees’ focus was drawn to the band which got everyone moving to the beats. The band is even comprised of characters in the show – the principal, the librarian, the coach, the professor and the driving instructor. A clever way to incorporate them seamlessly. Vocals by Mrs. Paige Turner, librarian, (Shelby Figueroa) are smoky and solid. In one song she is joined on vocals by the youngest member of the cast, Harper Rose Ham. Very nice harmonies. The band itself is delightful to watch as well as being musically talented.
Periodic appearances made by actors playing chaperones, staff and school support people became a source of continual laughter throughout the evening with their progression of well-played antics.
The large, diverse cast, including a mascot of the fictional school, the fruit bat, assured that the action was crisp and moving swiftly. Everyone was clearly having a blast, including the audience.
Producers Erica Connell, Jeff Ham and Shannon McNally Ham encourage attendees to dress in keeping with the theme, adding to the overall ambiance.
The company performs in a black box area adjacent to the Liminal Church in Ventura’s industrial section on Palma Drive.
Although it has been a few years since I went to the prom, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Need an excuse to dress up? Do it and go to the prom. Space is limited so reservations are highly recommended.
Playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through August 31. For more information, visit www.fracturedactors.com
