No Blood, No Gore, Just Campy ’50s Fun

There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of “Zombie Prom,” a rock ’n’ roll musical set in the 1950s. 

The show had a short life Off-Broadway in the early 1990s, and Matt Austin — the director of the current production at TheatreWorks New Milford — stumbled upon the original cast recording as a kid. He became obsessed with “Zombie Prom” and has always wanted to direct it. His wish has come true in this cozy theater, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Imagine Danny Zuko in “Grease” was a zombie — that’s the general vibe of “Zombie Prom.” The campy story is set in Enrico Fermi High School, and the colorful stage is full of lockers and stairs, with a big nuclear symbol on the floor and a live band hidden at the top. 

 Jonny (Tommy Ovitt) is a new student, complete with the leather jacket. During a funny duck and cover drill, featuring flashing red lights and a gas mask on the principal — who warns the children that “Russians have the bomb!” — Jonny locks eyes with Toffee (Lexi Tobin) and they immediately fall in love, à la Romeo and Juliet.

Of course, the adults in this tale don’t approve of their young love, so Jonny rides off to the nuclear plant, seemingly to die. This shouldn’t be a spoiler since the word “zombie” is in the title, but Jonny returns, glowing and green, during the impressive song “Blast From The Past.” 

Jonny’s not the mindless, brain-eating type of zombie. In fact, there is no blood or violence in this production. Jonny just came back for Toffee’s love. 

The cast of “Zombie Prom” is charming in authentic ’50s attire, designed by Meg Jones. Ovitt has some great comedic moments, such as when his jaw gets locked in place and a microphone sinks into his chest. Tobin has a beautiful voice, as does Dana Wilton, who plays Toffee’s friend Coco. 

Keep an eye on Dominick Ventrella’s face throughout the show. He plays a student named Jake, and his over-the-top expressions are hilarious, even when he’s in the background of a scene. His huge smile is contagious.

Jody Bayer steals the show as Miss Delilah Strict, the tyrannical principal of the school. Her voice is great, but her physical comedy is superb, from precariously tiptoeing down the stairs to clumsily climbing down from a table.

And aside from a few minor off-key moments, the whole ensemble shines during multiple song-and-dance routines. The program lists 23 musical numbers, which is a lot for a show without an intermission. Some sections drag slightly, but the overwhelming energy of the cast keeps the pure, silly fun going until the big prom finale — complete with a zombie.

“Zombie Prom” runs at TheatreWorks New Milford through Aug. 5. For tickets, go to www.theatreworks.us or call  860-350-6863.