Lehigh Valley Stage

Northampton Community College Summer Theater delivers a heartfelt and uplifting production of “The Prom” through June 18 in Lipkin Theater, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem Township.

“The Prom” boasts an evening of entertaining performances with strong singing and energetic dancing.

The musical follows four struggling Broadway actors as they travel to Indiana to help a lesbian student whose high school prom was canceled after she said she wanted to take her girlfriend to prom.

As Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen, Valerie A. Hill more than fits the bill with a larger-than-life persona; big, belty voice and impressive vibrato on showcase songs like “It’s Not About Me” and “The Lady’s Improving.” 

As fellow actor Barry Glickman, Bill Mutimer is more subdued, but engaging and jovial on songs like “Barry is Going to Prom.”

The underused Jennie Bianchini plays actor Angie Dickinson and is an unexpected delight shining in her big number the “Chicago”-inspired “Zazz.”

As the fourth actor Trent Oliver, Michael Mottram exudes buoyant energy and charm, particularly in the amusing “The Acceptance Song” and the “Godspell”-inspired “Love Thy Neighbor,” memorably backed by ensemble members playing the “cast of the non equity tour of ‘Godspell.’”

As the star-crossed couple at the center of the story, Kate Morgan and Myriam Zamy are engaging and appealing as Emma and Alyssa. Morgan’s Alyssa is heartrendingly believable and her “Just Breathe” is moving and “Unruly Heart” earnest. Zamy makes Alyssa caring but conflicted, and she has a big voice that impresses on the plaintive “Alyssa Greene.”

The two woman also have a lovely duet on “Dance With You.”

Marcell McKenzie is impassioned as principal Hawkins who stands by Emma and falls for Dee Dee.

As the head of the PTA and the mother of the closeted Alyssa, Nikki Cohen gives nuance to what could have been a one-note role.

Jordan Gold, Lydia Walker, Max Wetherhold and Jacob Greening play the main students who are initially intolerant, and are effective and compelling.

The ensemble is spirited on the big production numbers “You Happened” and the enthusiastic “Tonight Belongs to Me,” as well as competently backing up other songs.

The set by Brett Oliveira is simple but effective. The playful costumes are by Brenda McGuire and Tina Williams provide crisp choreography.

As director, Mutimer makes full use of the space, which is especially effective in the moving “Unruly Heart.”

Chad Miller leads the 14 person live orchestra which notably adds to the production.

Audience members are invited clean out their closets and bring in gowns to help students enjoy their prom. NCC Summer Theatre is supporting YWCA Bethlehem’s Pop-up Prom Shop by collecting gently used prom dresses at each performance of “The Prom.”

Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 7-9 and 14-16; 2 and 7:30 p.m. June 10 and 17; and 2 p.m. June 11 and 18.

Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors and $10 for children.

The production is in recognition of Pride month and the theater has partnered with Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Center for the show,

For information, call 484-484-3412, or go to www.northampton.edu.