Concord Academy Debuts First Mainstage Performance in the Centennial Arts Center
When the curtain goes up tonight inside the Centennial Arts Center Hammett Ory Theater, it won’t just mark the debut of a new musical—it will signal the beginning of a new era for CA’s performing arts program.
The school’s long-awaited new space will open its doors for The Prom, a musical that fuses humor, heart, and a powerful message of inclusion. Sold-out performances run Friday and Saturday, November 7 and 8, and Sunday, November 9.
The show follows a group of Broadway personalities who descend upon a small Indiana town after learning that high school student Emma has been banned from bringing her girlfriend Alyssa to prom. The stars rally around the teens, regardless of the teens’ desire for the support, and ignite a community movement that celebrates acceptance and authenticity.
The director, CA theater teacher Shelley Bolman P’27, chose The Prom for its relevance to students today. “As our mission statement says, we are striving for equity, and that striving implies an ongoing struggle that is never over,” Bolman says. “We wanted to tell Emma’s story honestly and show the real impact that prejudice has, especially on a teen, and the courage that is required to stand up to it.”
From the outset, Bolman and the students have been driven by a shared sense of purpose. “At the first rehearsal, I asked the cast and crew why we were doing this show, and they responded immediately, noting how important it was to be addressing The Prom’s theme in our school and in our current political climate,” Bolman says. “Because they are connected to the story, they are invested in the rehearsal process and supportive of their peers. It’s been a joy to work with them.”
Linda Coyne Lloyd Performing Arts Department Chair Michael Bennett serves as musical director for The Prom, helping students push their artistic boundaries. “The score is an eclectic mix of styles, rooted in contemporary musical theater but with lots of nods to traditional Broadway,” Bennett says.
The C.A.C. has completely redefined the production process. With large rehearsal spaces located in close proximity, multiple scenes and songs can be rehearsed simultaneously. State-of-the-art systems have expanded the creative possibilities.
“The technical improvements of the new space are innumerable, allowing us to do things we have really never done before in terms of scenery, lighting, and sound,” Bennett says. “Additionally, having a proper green room and dressing rooms makes things so much easier during tech and performances. Sightlines and sound will also be better for the audience, so it’s really a complete transformation of the theater experience at CA.”
CA dance teacher and choreographer Patrick John O’Neill brought the show’s movement to life in the new space. “My vision for this year’s show strives for a blend of contemporary movement, influenced by trends seen on social media and in mainstream media, with the elegance and style of classical musical theater,” he says. “I want it to feel fresh and exciting while still evoking a sense of nostalgia.”
O’Neill shares that he typically starts the process by immersing himself in the music to understand its essence, then visualizes the movements. He adapts the choreography based on the style and energy of the performers. “The discipline and dedication of the cast and crew consistently amaze me,” he says.
While the musical is filled with energetic and heartfelt numbers, the grand finale, “It’s Time to Dance,” stands out as a highlight. “It’s a full-on celebration—a real party! It’s also the most challenging dance in the show,” O’Neill says. “The cast has to be fully engaged, not just with their own movements, but with their partners as well. The connection between the dancers is electric, and you can feel the joy radiating from everyone.”
The Prom is a vibrant expression of how performers use the arts to tell stories that resonate far beyond the stage.
