Reading Memorial High School Drama Club's 'Zombie Prom' is a Fun Time

Is taking a zombie to the prom allowed? Oh well, it’s going to be a fun night!

Reading Memorial High School Drama Club opens its doors to its first public audience in over a year with Zombie Prom. Based on a fictional story written by John Dempsey, Zombie Prom is about a teenage boy who is resurrected from his grave. Conflicted with her relationship from the start, can Toffee bring a zombie to prom?

I am always overjoyed to walk back through the doors of my old high school. The cast of Zombie Prom delighted audiences with an incredible upbeat show. Nobody’s love story should ever be broken apart. Make your years in high school what you want them to be and don’t let anyone stop you from finding true love.

Tallulah Patalano and Jack Mendez were spectacular as Toffee and Jonny Warner. Both had wonderful singing voices. Patalano’s voice supplemented audiences, most notably in her song, ‘Easy to Say.’ Mendez was particularly remarkable for his zombie makeup and his own emotional performance.

Love is tough to embrace. Sometimes you have to fight your battles. Not getting the love story they expected, Toffee and Jonny shared sweet moments together. Each embraced their characters' stories, fighting for what they wanted.

The ensemble of Zombie Prom includes a multitude of characters. Hannah Record, Lucy Boyden, and Kylie Encarnacao were fun to watch as Toffee’s friends. Differing in personality, that’s one of the best parts of the show. You don’t have to be similar to make a friendship work. What matters is that friends will always be there in your time to grieve.

Never cross Principal Delilah Strict. Evelyn Howell was aggressive as the school principal trying to take the fun away from her students' lives. Presenting an enriching singing voice, Howell and Lucas Scozzari were the highlights. Dancing the tango right on stage, ‘Expose’ was one of my favorite song numbers.

Speaking of Scozzari, he was excellent as Eddie Flagrant. His comedic timing made audiences laugh. Most of the cast landed comedic timing, especially William O’Connor as Josh.

A hand goes out to the entire ensemble filling roles as students, teachers, or backup singers on a radio station. Everyone was having a fun time. A lot of hard work went into multiple dance numbers.

No show is ever put on its feet alone without the commendable work of the technical crew and a live orchestra. Sets were constructed to replicate a school hallway, a bedroom, or a festive prom. The costumes were all gorgeous to match the wardrobe from the 50s. The hair and makeup crew designed lovely hairstyles and the gruesome makeup of the zombie.

The high school years fly by. High school is the most important time for all. Director Natalie Cunha relished that message to her cast. We all have a story to tell from high school.

Zombie Prom is all about having the opportunity to make your decisions. Cunha reflected on fears. What impact does fear have on us? We can’t get everything we want in life, so it’s up to us how we choose to move forward.

After not having an audience in the Performing Arts Center of Reading Memorial High School in over a year, it’s easy to say that audiences enjoyed Zombie Prom. From applause, laughter, and even one audience member expressing their fondness during a tender moment, the cast of Zombie Prom reached the hearts of audiences.

RMHS Drama Club did an amazing job in their final performance of Zombie Prom. I’m looking forward to more of their shows.