EVERYONE DESERVES A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

'The Prom'
2026

Four Broadway stars. One small-town prom. A night that changes everything.

Packed with big laughs, show-stopping numbers, and plenty of heart, The Prom is a joyous musical comedy about courage, acceptance, and celebrating exactly who you are.

Come as you are. Everyone’s invited.

Before the Curtain Rises

Everything You Need to Know Before the Show

Consider this your backstage pass. Use the quick links below to jump ahead, or keep scrolling for the full story, cast, creative team, and everything you need to know before the curtain rises.

When four Broadway stars find themselves desperately in need of a new cause—and a little good publicity—they discover Emma, an Indiana high school student who simply wants to bring her girlfriend to prom.

Determined to help, the celebrities head to small-town Indiana to fight for Emma’s right to celebrate. What follows is a hilarious collision of Broadway-sized personalities, good intentions, unexpected friendships, and a community learning what it really means to accept one another.

Filled with huge musical numbers, plenty of laughs, and a whole lot of heart, The Prom is a celebration of courage, acceptance, and being unapologetically yourself.

This could cover things people frequently want to know:

Family-friendly/age recommendation:

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Approximate runtime:

Intermission:

Special effects, flashing lights, haze, etc. when applicable:

FAQ PAGE

Barry — Nicholas Lama
Dee Dee — Annie DeFazio
Emma — Julia Cianfrini
Alyssa — Sophia Bayrón Ballester
Trent — Evan McGregor Williams
Angie — Rachel Ross
Nick — Brian Cunningham
Kevin — Lucas Wiesmore
Principal / Mr. Hawkins — NelQuan Rashad
Kaylee / Dance Captain — Tiffany Nowak
Mrs. Greene — Elena Palomares Mecklenburg
Shelby — Sarah Paige Heller
Sheldon — Tyler Mecklenburg

Who's Who in the Cast

Meet the Stars of the Show

Nicholas
Lama

(Barry Glickman)

Biography

Nicholas is beyond thrilled to be making his Lockport Palace Theatre debut with THE PROM! Recent credits include SHREK THE MUSICAL (Shrek) and CURTAINS (Frank Cioffi) with O’CONNELL & COMPANY and STRING THE MUSICAL (Mickey) with THE Kavinoky Theatre. After THE PROM he is so happy to become a first time dad with his amazing wife Audrey. Be amazing and God bless.

Anne
DeFazio

(Dee Dee Allen)

Biography

Anne is thrilled to be making her Lockport Palace Theatre debut. Favorite Buffalo theatre credits include: CATS (Rumpleteaser/Gus, Starring Buffalo) THE DAY I LEARNED TO FLY (Mom, First Look Buffalo) SHOWTUNE
(Woman 2, MusicalFare), SISTER ACT (Sister Mary Lazarus/Joey, Starring Buffalo), THE SECRET GARDEN (Mrs. Medlock, Second Generation), HAIRSPRAY(Prudy Pingleton/Prison Matron, Kavinoky Theatre) and 1776 (Thomas Jefferson, O’Connell & Company). Other credits include: EFX with Michael Crawford and David Cassidy
(Morgana/Bess, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas) and CRAZY FOR YOU (Irene, Norwegian Cruise Lines). Thank you to Michael, Samantha, and Charlotte for their love and support.

Julia
Cianfrini

(Emma)

Biography

Julia is thrilled to be making their Palace debut! They have most recently been seen in FORUM (Protean) with O’Connell & Company, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS (Luciana) with Shakespeare in Delaware Park, and CORALINE: THE MUSICAL (Other Father) with Teal’s Niagara Theater. They’re a recent grad from Niagara University seen in shows such as: A DOLLS HOUSE (Nora), RENT (Maureen), SEAGULL (Nina), RE-EVISIONING JOAN (Joan/ Ensemble), and GODSPELL (Bless the Lord Soloist). They want to thank their parents and family for their never ending support. And to
anyone who might need to hear it, you are loved. @julia_kc5

Sophia
Bayrón
Ballester

(Alyssa Greene)

Biography

Sophia had her debut
at the Palace as Anita in this recent production of West Side Story. Sophia is so grateful for her opportunities this summer and hopes to continue to work with the Palace in the future. She also wants to thank her friends and family for always supporting her dreams in the
theatre!

Evan
McGregor
Williams

(Trent)

Biography

Evan (He/Him/His) is incredibly
excited to be making his Palace Theatre Debut as Trent in The Prom. Evan would like to extend his thanks to Jenny, Audrianna, Zach, and everyone behind the scenes for this amazing opportunity. Point Park
University MT. Enjoy the show! IG: @evanmwilliams_

Rachel
Ross

(Angie)

Biography

Rachel is thrilled to be appearing as Angie in The Prom. This season at the Historic Palace Theatre, she also portrayed the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, directed The Happy Elf, and appeared as Abigail in 1776. Her favorite Palace roles over the years have been Marian Paroo in The Music Man and Betty Haynes in White Christmas. Rachel strives to be an ally who helps create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and celebrated. She extends her heartfelt thanks to her husband and three daughters for their unwavering love, encouragement, and support. Enjoy the show!

Brian
Cunningham

(Nick)

Biography

Brian (He/They) is an Actor/Singer currently residing in Lyndonville, NY. Brian holds an Associates Degree in Theatre Arts from SUNY Niagara and a BFA in Theatre Performance and Studies from Niagara University. Recent professional credits include West Side Story (Baby John), 1776 (Thomas Jefferson), 9 to 5 (Josh/Intern), Kinky Boots (Angel/Announcer) with the Historic Palace Theatre, as well as Alice by Heart (Nigel/Dormouse)
with Bellissima Productions and Coraline – The Musical (Other Mother) with Teals Niagara Theater. Favorite credits include Macbeth (Macbeth), A Dolls House (Krogstad), Ride The Cyclone (Noel Gruber) and Company (Paul). – @bri_2343

NelQuan
Rashad

(Mr. Hawkins)

Biography

NelQuan Rashad Jones is an actor, singer, songwriter & multimedia artist hailing from the East Side of Buffalo, NY. NelQuan is honored to join the Lockport Historic Palace Theatre family & community BA Music Business (Manhattanville University) THEATER: Buffalo Comedy Sportz Improv Member ‘24 – ‘25. “Dreamgirls” (AnsariSaxon Productions & Shea’s Performing Arts Center) MUSIC:Issa Rae (“I Hate LA Dudes”), Epic Records (Bobby Shmurda, Meghan Trainor & Future), & Primary Wave Music (Jagged Edge, Deborah Cox & Goapele). Featured singer of Buffalo based Disco/Future Funk band “POCKETSHIP” Please check out NelQuan’s two studio albums “NelQuan Rashad: The Album” & “NelQuan Rashad 2” @NelquanMusic”

Tiffany
Nowak

(Kaylee/Dance Captain)

Biography

Lucas
Wiesmore

(Kevin)

Biography

Lucas is thrilled to be returning to the Historic Palace Theatre. Recent Palace roles include A-Rab (West Side Story), Peter Pan (Shrek), Ensemble (RENT), and Hamm (The Happy
Elf). Lucas is eager to perform this heartwarming comedy about
inclusion and acceptance alongside an incredibly talented cast and
crew. He would like to give a shoutout to his family and friends for always supporting him at every show. @lucaswiesmore1

Elena
Palomares
Mecklenburg

(Mrs. Greene)

Biography

Greene) Lena (She/They)
is so excited to be in her second show at the Palace! Originally from Connecticut, she has been performing and teaching at the community and professional level for 13 years. She currently teaches voice, piano, ukulele, and guitar at Matt’s Music. Favorite credits include A Funny Thing Happened… (Philia), Ghost Quartet (Pearl), and The Edgar Allen Poe Show (Jody). You can catch her later this year as Abigail
Adams in 1776 (Porter Players) and Dulcinea/Aldonza in Man of La Mancha (Niagara Regional Theatre Guild). She would like to thank her wonderful husband, Tyler, for absolutely everything.

Sarah
Paige
Heller

(Shelby)

Biography

Sarah is so excited to be making her Palace Theatre debut in The Prom! Sarah is a current music theater student at the university at buffalo, where you might’ve seen her in Urinetown, and The Pajama Game. She is a proud member of The Royal Pitches, UB’s all treble voice a cappella group. Huge thank you to the entire cast and crew, as well as her family and friends for all their love and support. Enjoy the show! @ssarah.hellerr

Tyler
Mecklenburg

(Sheldon)

Biography

Tyler is thrilled to be back at the
Historic Lockport Palace Theater in the cast of The Prom! Tyler is
grateful to be part of a show with such an excellent message, and
would like to thank his beautiful wife Elena, (Mrs. Greene) for all of
her love and support.

The ensemble

The Talent Behind the Curtain

Lex
Cueva

(Ensemble)

Biography

Lex (they/them) is happy to be back at The Palace! Some favorite credits: A Doll’s House: Part 2 (Torvald), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Hero), RENT (Benny), Return to the Forbidden Planet (Ariel), Fun Home (Joan), The Diary of Anne Frank (Margot), The Happy Elf (Norbert), His Girl
Watson at Alleyway Theatre and The Taming of the Shrew (Petruchio) with Powerhouse Theatre at Vassar College. So much love and thanks to family and friends, always! BFA Niagara University 25’. Instagram:
@alexiscueva

Liliana
Frisina

(Ensemble)

Biography

Liliana is so excited to be making her professional debut in The Prom! She is an incoming junior at Sacred Heart. Some of her recent credits include Into the Woods (Florinda), Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble) The Dining Room (Sally, Peggy, Beth, Sarah). She also performs with the SJCI Swing Choir! She would also like to thank her parents for all their support and all the rides to the Palace.

Nick
Jayme

(Ensemble)

Biography

Nick Jayme is very excited for his first production with the Lockport Palace Theater! Nick is a rising senior at Grand Island High School, and has been performing locally in theater since he was 8. He is extremely thankful for this opportunity. Nick would like to give a very special thanks to his family and friends for always supporting him.

Eva
Robison

(Ensemble/Student)

Biography

(Ensemble/Student) Eva is a rising junior at Starpoint High School and has recently been seen on stage there as Bulda in Frozen and the Pied Piper in Shrek. She is thrilled to be back on stage for The PROM at the Historic Palace Theatre after being a member of the children’s ensemble in Matilda. Eva is also a member of Matt’s
Music Vocal Performance Team. She would like to thank her vocal coach Zach Carr, her dance instructors at DMDA, the cast, crew and directors and family and friends for the support!

Moriah
Armstrong

(Ensemble)

Biography

Moriah holds her BFA in theatre performance from the University at Buffalo, and her MA in Performing Arts Administration from Rowan University. Her recent credits include directing PUFFS!, playing Eurydice in Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice, and Dotty Otley in Noises Off! She is excited to be making her Palace debut in The Prom this season. Special thanks to her family, friends, and her colleagues for their continued support.

Maximilian
Benz

(Ensemble)

Biography

Maximilian is excited to perform in his second production at the Palace. He previously debuted in West Side Story (Snowboy) and has performed in other productions in the WNY area. He would like to thank his friends, family, and teachers for getting him where he is today.

Rylie
Randall

(Ensemble)

Biography

Rylie Randall is so excited to be back at the Palace! She has her BFA in Theatre Performance with a minor in Dance from Niagara University. Favorite roles include Roberta Wooster in CURTAINS at O’Connell & Company, Velma in WEST SIDE STORY, Pig/Mouse in SHREK THE MUSICAL at the Historic Palace Theatre, and Medium Alison in FUN HOME at NU. Rylie also performed as a Can-Can dancer/Diamond Lil in Diamond Lil’s Can-Can Revue at Tweetsie Railroad in North Carolina!

Emma
Gillies

(Ensemble)

Biography

Emma is thrilled to be a part of The Prom! Her previous performances at the Palace include Shrek (Puss in Boots) and Matilda (Ensemble). Emma would like to thank everyone involved in this production for making this experience so memorable!

Gabriella
Galante

(Ensemble)

Biography

Gabby is thrilled to be back in
Lockport and was last seen on the Palace stage in Shrek (Pig/
Blind Mouse). Recent credits include Make Way For Ducklings
(Mrs. Mallard) and Pete the Cat (Mrs. Creech) at Hangar Theatre,
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Phoebe), As You Like It
(Celia), The Sisters Fitz&Startz: Cook With Kids (Liza), Elephant
& Piggie’s: “We Are In A Play!” (Squirelle), and The Night Before
Christmas (Dancer the Reindeer). Gabby wants to thank her family
and friends for their endless love and support! Instagram: @gabby.
galante Website: www.gabriellagalante.com.

Maxa
Brandi

(Ensemble)

Biography

Max (he/she/they) is thrilled to be retiring to the Palace this summer. You may have seen Max on stage many times at the Palace before, his favorites include, Young Frankenstein, White Christmas (2023), Pippin, Sister Act, Kinky Boots and many more. Max is a junior at Niagara University where they are pursuing a BFA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Dance. Off stage, Max is a model with MMG models (NYC) and Presence model and talent (ATL) Max is also a seasoned drag queen, performing under the name Britney Blackout. You can follow them both on instagram @max_brandi726 & @msbritneyblackout. They hope you enjoy this incredible show!

Rylee
Peterson

(Ensemble)

Biography

Rylee is thrilled to be making her debut on the Historic Palace Theatre stage. She has previously performed in productions at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, where she discovered her love for theater and has continued to grow as a performer. Being part of this production has been an exciting and rewarding experience, and she is grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside such a talented cast and crew. Rylee would like to thank her directors, teachers, family, and friends for their constant
encouragement and support. She hopes you enjoy the performance and thanks you for coming!

Allinee
NeGron

(Olivia Keating / Ensemble)

Biography

Allinee is absolutely
thrilled to be returning to the Palace stage for The Prom. Allinee is based out of Lancaster, NY and graduated this past spring from The University at Buffalo, proudly earning her BFA in Musical Theatre. Notable roles of hers include Footloose at Lancaster Opera house (Ariel Moore), at the Palace: Shrek (Fiona), 1776 (Martha Jefferson), R&H Cinderella (Ella), 9 to 5 (Roz Keith), and Kinky Boots (Lauren). She is also a proud instructor for the PPAS program’s that the Palace provides (The Happy Elf, Little Mermaid Jr., Beetlejuice Jr., Alice in Wonderland Jr., and Time To Shine). She would like to extend a huge thank you to the incredible cast and crew for making this show possible. For Barbara. @allineenegron

The Production Team

The Talent Behind the Curtain

Jenny
McCabe

(Director)

Biography

Jenny is thrilled to be back directing her third show at the Palace. Her last two were “Kinky Boots” and “Sister Act”. Some of her other directing credits include “The Addams Family”, “Beauty & The Beast”, “Kiss Me Kate”, “Guys & Dolls”, “Suessical”, & “Anastasia”, with “Legally Blonde” coming up this November. Some of her favorite on stage performances include “Little Shop of Horrors” (Audrey), “Tarzan” (Jane), “Evil Dead The Musical” (Annie/Shelly), “The Crucible” (Mary Warren), “Guys & Dolls” (Adelaide), and “Beauty & The Beast” (Belle), for which she earned a TANYS award. She would like to thank Chris Parada for the wonderful opportunity to tell this important story, and her husband and mom for their love and support. She dedicates this show in loving memory of sweet Bob Ray.

For Dad, always.

Audrianna
Yates

(Choreographer)

Biography

Audrianna is no stranger to the Lockport Palace Stage! She is so excited to be choreographing for this incredible cast! Past shows include Little Women, Jersey Boys, Sister Act, and Little Shop of Horrors.You may have seen her in the past season at the Palace in shows such as Pippin, Matilda,The Little Mermaid and 9 to 5. You may also have seen her recently with O’Connell & Company in Shrek as Princess Fiona (Artie nominated), Kahn!!! As Dr. Carol Marcus, The Marvelous Wonderetts as Suzy, along with many others. For the past 17 years she has taught at Jaclyn Carols Dance Academy. In that time she has won numerous choreography awards through competitive dance. Audrianna would like to thank everyone at the Palace for this opportunity as well as her family, her son and her husband Nick for all of their love and support!

Zach
Carr, Ph.D.

(Vocal Director)

Biography

Zach is elated to return as vocal director at the Historic Lockport Palace Theatre for this wonderful show that makes you laugh while reminding you of the power of love and togetherness. Previous vocal directing credits include Shrek, Rent,
Sweeney Todd (In Concert), 9 to 5, Kinky Boots, Tarzan, Jersey Boys, Million Dollar Quartet, and Pippin. Zach is the Vocal Director at Matt’s Music, Inc. where he oversees the largest vocal program in Western New York while also teaching private voice lessons in Buffalo, New York City, and Nashville. Aside from his musical endeavors, Zach is a full-time teaching assistant professor at the University at Buffalo. My love to this cast, crew, and to you all for continuing to support the arts in Western New York!

Jeanette
Sheliga

(Music Director and Conductor)

Biography

Jeanette is excited to be returning to the Palace Theatre for The Prom! She is a music teacher for the Medina Central School District and has performed in seventy pit orchestras. Recent credits at the Palace include West Side Story and
Sweeney Tood. Jeanette would like to thank her talented pit-mates, the production team, and the
Palace Theatre for this opportunity.

Christopher
Parada

(Producer)

Biography

Chris has been involved in hundreds of productions, including shows done at the Historic Palace Theatre in Lockport, New York, through Curtain Up Productions such as Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Joseph). Chris has also directed Scrooge the Musical (2004-2022), Beauty and the Beast, Jesus Christ Superstar, Peter Pan, West Side Story, Into the Woods, Oklahoma, Wizard of Oz, Annie Get Your Gun, Seussical the Musical!, Hairspray, Songs for a New World, Legally Blonde, “JOSEPH”, Les Miserables!, SHREK!, Addams Family, Guys & Dolls, Mary Poppins, All Shook Up!, Little Mermaid, Footloose!, Billy Elliot, Singin in the Rain, Young Frankenstein, 42nd Street, Pippin!, Million Dollar Quartet, Cinderella, Jersey Boys, White Christmas. Chris has also directed for DeSales Catholic School. Chris has worked as a Hair and Makeup artist for Paul Mitchell, doing runway shows with Hard Rock Orlando, a personal stylist to celebrities such as Gloria Gaynor, Jennifer Hudson, Larry King and cast members of American Idol. Chris is the founder and creator of the Santa Claus Christmas Cottage located in Day Road Park LockportSanta.com Chris is very proud to be the Executive Director for the beautiful Historic Palace Theatre and will continue to bring the art of live productions to the Western New York area!

Director Sponsors

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Actor sponsors

Taking center stage in our community.

Musician sponsors

Helping every performance find its rhythm.

Cornerstone Arena

Kenan Center

Sunrise Doors

Watercolors by Becky

Tony Nemi

& Friends of the palace

Every great production needs a supporting cast.

Artemis Women’s Center

Lockport Barge Canal Optimists

Newfane Lion’s Club

Prudden & Kandt

State Farm – Becky Thompson

State Farm – Doug Thompson

Transit Road Car Wash

Wine and Liquor Outlet

Lockport Barge Canal Optimists

NetPlus Alliance

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Become part of the community that keeps the Palace thriving. Your sponsorship supports live entertainment, arts programming, and the preservation of one of Lockport’s most treasured landmarks.

EVERYONE DESERVES A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

'The Prom' 2026

Come as you are. Everyone’s invited.

Before the Curtain Rises

Who's Who in the Cast

Nicholas Lama

Biography

Anne DeFazio

Biography

Julia Cianfrini

Biography

Sophia Bayrón Ballester

Biography

Evan McGregor Williams

Biography

Rachel Ross

Biography

Brian Cunningham

Biography

NelQuan Rashad

Biography

TiffanyNowak

Biography

Lucas Wiesmore

Biography

Elena Palomares Mecklenburg

Biography

Sarah PaigeHeller

Biography

Tyler Mecklenburg

Biography

The ensemble

Lex Cueva

Biography

Liliana Frisina

Biography

NickJayme

Biography

EvaRobison

Biography

Moriah Armstrong

Biography

Maximilian Benz

Biography

Rylie Randall

Biography

Emma Gillies

Biography

Gabriella Galante

Biography

Maxa Brandi

Biography

RyleePeterson

Biography

AllineeNeGron

Biography

The Production Team

Jenny McCabe

Biography

Audrianna Yates

Biography

Zach Carr, Ph.D.

Biography

Jeanette Sheliga

Biography

Christopher Parada

Biography

Director Sponsors

catholic health

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LCTV Network

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Director Sponsor

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Director Sponsor

'The Prom'
2026

Nicholas
Lama

Anne
DeFazio

Julia
Cianfrini

Sophia
Bayrón
Ballester

Evan
McGregor
Williams

Rachel
Ross

Brian
Cunningham

NelQuan
Rashad

Tiffany
Nowak

Lucas
Wiesmore

Elena
Palomares
Mecklenburg

Sarah
Paige
Heller

Tyler
Mecklenburg

Lex
Cueva

Liliana
Frisina

Nick
Jayme

Eva
Robison

Moriah
Armstrong

Maximilian
Benz

Rylie
Randall

Emma
Gillies

Gabriella
Galante

Maxa
Brandi

Rylee
Peterson

Allinee
NeGron

Jenny
McCabe

Audrianna
Yates

Zach
Carr, Ph.D.

Jeanette
Sheliga

Christopher
Parada