Auroraadvocate.com - 'Zombie Prom' will open 3-weekend run on July 9

Aurora Community Theatre will present "Zombie Prom" for six performances Fridays and Saturdays from July 9 to 24.

With interior renovations under way at ACT, the production will take place in the high school auditorium.

Set in the 1950s, the rollicking romp through America's "Atomic Age" features book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, all based on a story by Dempsey and Hugh M. Murphy.

Marc C. Howard, who makes his ACT directorial debut, said: "It's sly, irreverent and, to say the least, over the top. This fast-paced musical will radiate enough energy to bring the audience to its feet."

Howard will choreograph and Brandon Lambert will direct the music, with John Marchese as producer.

Andy Weyenberg will play Jonny Warner, a lovestruck teen whose most daring rebellion consists of dropping the "h" from his name, and Colleen McCaughney as Toffee.

Claudia Lillibridge plays Miss Deliliah Strict, whose last name provides a clue to her management style, with Michael Guffey as Eddie Flagrante, a fireball journalist.

Toffee's best friends will be Kaley Voorhees, Kristin Benner, Lindsay Simon, Billy Eline, Shane Hurst and Jeffery Raig.

Abby Zerull will take to the stage as Ramona Merengue and a student. Nicole Romo will be seen in three roles as mother, secretary and stage manager.

OTHER multiple-role players include Alli St. John, Andrew Novak, Angel Foster, Dave Sherman, Evan Henrich, John Sudsina, Julie Moratta, Lexi Clossin and Caitlin Houlahan.

Brad Barnes will be assistant director, Zach Wells stage manager, Nate Benson assistant stage manager, David Cooper costumes, Justin Nutting sound and Chris Riley and Stephanie Ivany lighting.

Kara Yogan heads up set decoration with help from scene painters Sophie Church, Emma Church and Robert Pigza. Kristie Siders heads props.

Blake Baldwin, Patrick Loudon, Michael Sockolich, Jake Hays and Missy Meyer make up the running crew, with general technical assistance from Pigza and Zach Janice. Dixie Benshoff Ludick is assistant producer.

The musical spoof on comics and movies was first produced at the Red Barn Theatre in 1993 in Key West, Fla. It opened off-Broadway in New York City at the Variety Arts Theatre in 1996 and in 2009 made its UK premiere.

"Zombie Prom" also was adapted into a short film.

Tickets at $16 for adults and $11 for youth 18 and under are available online at www.auroracommunitytheatre.com or by calling 330-562-1818. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available.

"Zombie Prom" is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc. Pat Catan's Craft Centers is the major sponsor.