Venues
Events
MediaTheater
Like, Totally Awesome!
The Awesome 80’s Prom makes retro rad
| | More
Big hair. Big music. Big entertainment. The Awesome 80’s Prom at Webster Hall (125 East 11th Street) is one of New York’s few truly interactive theatre experiences. Set at Wanaget High’s Senior Prom in 1989, the show takes audience members through the totally tubular trials and tribulations of teenagers experiencing the decade of decadence. Reminiscent of 80’s movie favorites like The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles, the story and characters are familiar enough to set you at ease, but the performers—so adept at not breaking character you’ll find yourself wondering if you’ve been transported twenty years back in time—keep the audience constantly on their toes.
See, at The Awesome 80’s Prom participation isn’t encouraged, it’s a formative part of the show’s experience. Multiple storylines are intertwined throughout the show, allowing audience members in different parts of the venue to literally shape the way that the story ends. And if you’re not one of the lucky few chosen to interact with the cast, you’ll find yourself hard pressed not to join in some other way. Acid washed jeans, ruffled prom dresses, outrageous shoulder pads and even teased bangs are encouraged, as most of the audience dresses up for the big night, and music by Cyndi Lauper and Wham! keeps attendees dancing. And trust us, The Awesome 80’s Prom is fun enough to get even the most uptight, all-black-wearing New Yorker get out of their seat.
The Awesome 80’s Prom performs Saturday evenings at Webster Hall (125 East 11th Street) , www.websterhall.com. For more information visit www.awesome80sprom.com.
Photo Credit: Jason Carden (photo by Alden Ford)
**5 Minutes with Jason Carden (Blake Williams-Captain of the Football Team)**
What’s the most fun part of performing in Awesome 80’s Prom?
I think the fun we have as a cast is contagious, and it is really awesome to watch the audience get into the show. It’s rare in theatre for a cast to be so close to their audience and watch them go through the roller coaster ride of the show. We feed off of their energy and they feed off of ours.
How do you feel about the interactive nature of the show?
I love the interactive nature of the show. An audience member could come to the show every Saturday and never have the same experience. There are multiple story lines happening all over the room and because they are influenced by the audience participation, the same exact thing will never happen again. Each show is a unique event.
What’s your best “crazy audience” member story?
We once had a girl who was dressed head-to-toe as Madonna. She was in full character and having such a great time that I think many of the other audience members thought she was probably part of the show. At one point she grabbed me and dragged me out on the dance floor. She performed an entire dance routine that I’m sure she had been practicing at home.
Why should someone choose to see The Awesome 80’s Prom?
If you ever watched a John Hughes movie and wanted to participate, if you ever wished you could go back to high school and get it right this time, or even if you just love dancing and laughing, The Awesome 80’s Prom is for you.