The Australian premiere of The Prom at the Teatro at the Italian Forum in Leichhardt bursts onto the stage with irresistible charm, vibrant energy, and a whole lot of heart.
This production is a dazzling, feel-good triumph – one that balances Broadway razzle-dazzle with a deeply resonant message about acceptance, courage, and the right to celebrate love in all its forms.
Under the spritely and assured direction of Andrew Bevis, alongside Nathan M. Wright’s slick co-direction and exhilarating choreography, the show moves with infectious momentum. Every number feels purposeful, polished, and brimming with life.
Craig Renshaw’s musical direction is superb, drawing a rich, full sound from the band while ensuring every lyric lands with clarity and emotional punch. The score sparkles throughout, delivered with precision and undeniable joy.
At the centre of it all is a sensational cast. Caroline O’Connor is exceptional as Dee Dee Allen, delivering a masterclass in comic timing, vocal power, and layered characterisation. O’Connor is both gloriously self-absorbed and unexpectedly touching.
Brendan Monger’s Barry Glickman is equally captivating warm, witty, and deeply heartfelt, providing some of the show’s most moving moments. Sophie Montague shines as Emma, bringing sincerity and quiet strength to the role. Her performance anchors the production emotionally, making the stakes feel real and immediate.
Paige Fallu’s Alyssa Greene is beautifully nuanced, while Bella McSporran lights up the stage as Angie with charisma and show-stopping flair. Thern Reynolds’ Trent Oliver is delightfully exaggerated, yet perfectly controlled, while Brad Green’s Sheldon Saperstein adds just the right amount of quirky humour.
Erin Bruce commands attention as the formidable Mrs. Greene, embodying the tension at the heart of the story, while Scott Irwin’s Principal Hawkins offers a gentle, grounded counterpoint. Together, the ensemble creates a vivid and believable community, making the town’s journey toward understanding all the more impactful.
Visually, the production is striking. Nick Fry’s set design makes an immediate impression, cleverly transforming the space and supporting the narrative with style and fluidity. Roderick Van Gelder’s lighting design is equally dazzling, elevating each moment with colour and atmosphere.
Cornelia Cassimatis’ costumes add flair and personality, perfectly capturing both Broadway extravagance and small-town authenticity. Niamh Sinclair’s sound design is impeccably balanced, allowing the cast and Renshaw’s superb band to shine without ever overpowering the action.
What truly sets this production apart is its heart. Beneath the glitter and comedy lies a powerful story about inclusion, bravery, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. The story unfolds with warmth and humour, culminating in a finale that is both uplifting and genuinely moving.
The Prom
Teatro at the Italian Forum, Norton Street, Leichhardt
Performance: Saturday 28 March 2026
Season continues to 19 April 2026
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, visit: www.teatroitalianforum.com.au for details.
Images: Caroline O’Connor, Brendan Monger and the Cast of The Prom – photo by Robert Miniter | Sophie Montague, Caroline O’Connor and Scott Irwin in The Prom – photo by Robert Miniter | Scott Irwin and Sophie Montague in The Prom – photo by Robert Miniter
Review: Rohan Shearn