MUSCATINE, Iowa–As the Pearl City Players considered shows to perform for their 2022-2023 season, member Chad Bishop wanted to try something to appeal to a broad audience and get them invested in the performance. He thought, “I’m not always in the mood to sit passively and watch what’s happening.”
With these ideas in mind Bishop perused several theatrical publishers until a title piqued his interest, “The Awesome 80’s Prom.” An immersive theatre experience similar to the hit “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding,” the show invites attendees to participate in a prom wackier than any they attended in high school. As Bishop observed, “if you didn’t make it to your prom as a kid, this is your chance.”
In “The Awesome 80’s Prom,” humorously stereotypical high school characters, including the wealthy captain of the football team, the glamorous head cheerleader, the roguish bad-boy, the artsy theatre teacher, and the dictatorial principal still sore about not attending his prom, along with an assortment of nerds, international students, and others, all attend Wanaget High School’s prom in 1989. As their stories unfold and drama develops between the characters, audience members can get involved with the night’s festivities and vote for the prom king and queen, determining the show’s ending. “That’s what really stood out to me; there are scenes, but there are also parts that are just an adult prom party,” Bishop explained. “It’d be like if you went to a dance, but it’s more structured.”
Pearl City Players will perform their interactive production of “The Awesome 80’s Prom” on May 27. Stock graphic via Canva.
An engaging experience, the evening will start with the characters “arriving at the prom,” making grand entrances into the River’s Edge Event Loft (129 West Second Street in Muscatine) at 6:30 p.m. Enthusiastic guests will get walk-on roles as the audience settles in for a fun night. During the show, attendees may join in the dancing, enjoy appetizers, drinks, and cake, and even check out the arcade. People can even dress up for the occasion too. “You can show up in costume for an 80’s prom,” said Bishop, adding: “or just show up! You’re not obligated to interact.”
Just like actual proms, “The Awesome 80’s Prom” takes place for one night only May 27. A show for adults, guests can start their night by visiting the Pearl Martini Bar, where staff will help guests get excited by dressing in 80s attire. Bishop also encourages attendees to have dinner downtown, as real promgoers do. Actors will make their grand entrances at 6:30 p.m. The show will start at 7 p.m. Though the performance will have an official ending, organizers will keep the dancefloor open later if attendees want to keep partying. Tickets cost $20 apiece, and guests may purchase them at the door or online.
A novel theatre experience for Muscatine audiences, Bishop hopes the interactive aspects of “The Awesome 80’s Prom” will resonate with attendees and give them an unforgettable night out. “I’m good at putting on social gatherings, and I’m looking forward to the guests’ reactions,” he said. “I’m most looking forward to people coming and having a good time.”
