From left, Eden Johnson, Gregory Judd, Lyra Legawiec, Tessa Hayashida, Anthony M. Delorme (center), Julie Sanborn, Isana Bell, and Elijah Middleton perform in Community Little Theatre’s “The Prom.” Submitted photo

The Lewiston/Auburn Community Little Theater has long featured large casts of local talent in its shows. It may have outdone itself on that score with its current production of “The Prom.” The stage is literally teeming with a remarkable, richly talented cast, the majority of which is made up of infectious, energetic and invested Gen Z young adults.

“The Prom,” as the title affirms, is a play about a prom. You know, that “coming of age” event in high school, donning the trappings of impending adulthood, pairing up in the throes of first love, dressing up in formal wear and dancing to the music of the day.

The play’s overarching theme is about three full-grown adult forces colliding for reasons that we can all recognize: unchallenged righteousness, misguided ambition and responsibility to higher ideals. Along the way, the book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin and music by Matthew Sklar manage to satirize Broadway celebrity narcissists, skewer Midwestern small-town hypocrisies and shine a true North Star in the person of a teacher. There are no sacred cows on one side or the other here.

At the heart of the story is a young woman and the excruciating pain, angst and isolation she experiences as she “comes out” as a lesbian. Emma Nolan’s desire is simple: to attend her high school prom at Madison High in rural Edgewater, Indiana, with her girlfriend. Nolan, played by Julia Groover, is derided by her peers and derailed by the PTA, but defended by her high school principal, who seeks civil rights relief for her from the attorney general of Indiana. This makes her a cause celebre on social media.

Meanwhile, two fading Broadway stars, Barry Glickman, played by Justin Morin, and Dee Dee Allen, played by Jenninne Cannizzo, see an opportunity. Deflated by reviews blasting their comeback musical, which also features chorus girl Angie Dickinson played by Bee Tyler, Juilliard grad-turned-waiter Trent Oliver played by Anthony M. Delorme, and swaggering PR man Sheldon played by Trekk Skeate, Glickman and Allen decide to bolster their celebrity and win positive press by championing a cause.

Finding Nolan’s plight trending on Twitter, Glickman states with gusto, “Yes! It checks all the boxes, and as a bonus it’s gay, which is something I can relate to!”

And they gleefully sing, “We’re gonna help that little lesbian, whether she likes it or not,” happily disparaging with elitist disdain rural America by singing, “those fist pumping … bible thumping … spam eating … cousin humping … cow tipping … shoulder slumping … tea bagging … Jesus jumping … losers and their inbred wives.”

From left, Anthony Delorme, Madeleine DuBois, Glenn Atkins, Brock Rancourt, and Mara Dale have a serious moment in Community Little Theatre’s “The Prom” currently in production. Submitted photo

After Glickman indelicately punctuates the ensemble song with “Now let’s go help that dyke!” they are off to Indiana by bus (to save cost), riding with a non-equity cast of “Godspell” booked by Sheldon because it just happens to pass through Edgewater. Culture and lifestyle are sure to clash.

Meanwhile Mrs. Greene, the homophobic ultra conservative PTA chair played by Mara Dale, has disrupted the prom. Unbeknownst to her, daughter Alyssa, played by Moira O’Connor, is Nolan’s date to be. And Nolan, the ostracized teen, reacting understandably to the demeaning and scornful treatment from her peers and community, has shrouded Alyssa’s identity to protect her from the same treatment.

The outstanding cast, under the impassioned direction of Jennifer McClure Groover, evokes laughs by the haystack and tears by the milk pail, interspersed with excellent songs that run the gamut from a poignant love ballad to a tent revival gospel. Witty dialogue, clever lyrics and the moving music of Paul Caron’s orchestra bring these and other characters to life in a combination of Broadway celebrity hubris and rural Midwestern corn. The large ensemble cast members fill several roles seamlessly and powerfully. The musical and dance numbers are performed with an infectious joy and energy that only youth can generate. Choreographer Adelyn Bell earns kudos here.

Julia Groover is just right as Nolan, pulled in all directions by those with personal agendas. Eventually she finds her center, takes control of her own campaign to find acceptance. Her journey from vulnerable to confident is touching and persuades the audience to cheer her along the way.

O’Connor’s Alyssa is compelling as Nolan’s girlfriend and the daughter of Mrs. Greene. She is conflicted by her emerging sexuality and by a mother who expects perfection and conformity from her daughter.

Mrs. Greene is thoroughly unlikeable and Mara Dale handles her role with gusto, self-righteous relish and conceit. The color allusion in her name is evident as Glickman strongly suggests “flying monkeys” are her minions.

A perennial favorite at L/A CLT, Morin rips it up from start to finish as Glickman, the gay, self-absorbed thespian who belts out some of the most venomous gay pride songs. Glickman ultimately reveals himself to have a big heart, and a genuine soft spot for Nolan.

“The Prom” cast takes a bow, from left, front: Moira O’Connor and Julia Groover; behind, from left: Glenn Atkins, Casey Waters, Julie Sanborn, James Vaillancourt, Brock Rancourt. Maria Groover, Anthony M. Delorme, Genevieve Vaillancourt, and Bee Tyler. Submitted photo

Meanwhile, Cannizzo as Dee Dee Allen plays a little lady with a great big voice and a kickass attitude. She’s had to fight her way to the top on Broadway and she’s not going to take the slide down with any less intensity. She’s only in it for herself, until she isn’t. “The Lady’s Improving” solo is her personal testimony that she’s still got it and that now she “gets it.”

High school Principal Mr. Hawkins, gently and calmly portrayed by Glenn Atkins, is Allen’s guide to a better self. “We Look to You,” his anthem to Allen and to theater in general, is touching and beautiful. His support of Nolan is steadfast and reassuring.

Groover’s “Just Breathe,” duets with O’Connor, “Dance with You” and “You Happened” are lovely standout songs. The gut-wrenching “Alyssa Greene” solo by O’Connor perfectly illuminates her torturous dilemma with coming out.

Nolan finds a genuine yet unconventional confidante and friend in Angie Dickinson, the chorus girl. Dickinson helps Nolan overcome her awkwardness and self-consciousness about letting herself out. Her song and dance routine “Zazz” is glittering and jazzy with that touch of Bob Fosse sensuality that legs have always brought to the stage.

Finally, and perhaps most fittingly, Juilliard grad-turned-waiter Oliver launches an effort to bring the high school kids around to a more accepting attitude. Hearing them claim their beliefs are founded in the Bible, Oliver points out some hypocrisy that arises from their personal lives and the teachings of the Bible, good-naturedly evoking his personal relationship to Jesus. What results is a good old tent revival, soul-saving gospel song — “Love Thy Neighbor” — a rejoicing showstopper that stays in your head long after the curtain comes down.

As all predictable musicals must, the “Mickey and Judy” moment arrives and all concerned rally to “put on a prom.” All cast members onstage bring a rollicking, satisfying conclusion.

Performances are Thursday and Friday, Aug. 15 and 16, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18, at 2 p.m.

Community Little Theatre is at 30 Academy St., Auburn, Maine

Contact: (207) 783-0958

Email: info@laclt.com

Box office email: boxoffice@laclt.com