SAN DIEGO MUSICAL THEATRE PRESENTS THE HEARTWARMING AND HILARIOUS MUSICAL THAT CELEBRATES LOVE, ACCEPTANCE AND STANDING UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT
by tony reverditto
The Prom is a Broadway musical that received nine Tony nominations in 2019. The story centers around Emma, a high schooler living in a conservative Indiana town who faces backlash for wanting to bring her girlfriend to the prom. When the PTA cancels the prom instead of allowing Emma to attend with her date, the musical takes an unexpected turn when four self-absorbed eccentric Broadway performers descend upon the town. They attempt to fight this injustice while stealing a bit of the spotlight to boost their own reputations. With an incredible score and an enduring message that love can bring everyone together, this is a heartwarming tale that brings this story to life.
Kürt Norby is portraying Barry Glickman, an overtly gay Broadway star who is completely politically incorrect and doesn’t know it. He is impulsive and loves to make a scene everywhere he goes. Norby is no stranger to the stage and boasts an impressive background that includes roles in several world and regional premieres in the San Diego theater scene.
THE RAGE MONTHLY CAUGHT UP WITH NORBY TO GAIN INSIGHT INTO THIS NEXT CHAPTER OF HIS CAREER.
Where are you from originally?
I’m born and raised in San Diego. I’m so grateful that San Diego has such an incredible theater scene.
When did you first develop an affinity for theater?
I first developed my love for performing when I was a little boy doing, of all things, German folk dancing. Lederhosen and all. I went to a performing arts elementary school and that’s really where I fell in love with theater.
You have done a great deal of theater in San Diego. What has been your favorite show thus far?
Hands-down, my favorite production I’ve ever been a part of is Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 at Cygnet Theatre. It was a deeply personal project and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But I’ve also been lucky enough to have been in a number of pre-Broadway musicals at both Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse. There’s nothing like being part of creating a new musical.
Why is The Prom such an important show for people to see in these times?
Where do I begin? The Prom will be relevant as long as there is still homophobia or a lack of empathy for others. Unfortunately, the story of our show is deeply relevant right now. The “other-ing” of marginalized groups is happening right before our eyes in so many different ways.
You play Barry Glickman, a flamboyant and narcissistic Broadway actor. How much fun is this role and why?
I love Barry so much. He’s a mixture of Charles Nelson Reilly, Paul Lynd and Nathan Lane all rolled into one. Although he’s highly narcissistic, he carries around the wound of being disowned by his mother for coming out when he was younger. And even though he initially comes to the aid of Emma for purely selfish reasons, he soon realizes that he’s healing his trauma by being selfless. So not only is it an absolute blast to chew up the scenery, I also get to experience his transformation into being almost a mother to Emma. The mother that he wished he had.
What do you think is the ultimate message in The Prom?
Empathy and courage. Emma is this incredibly courageous teenager, almost by accident. She might not realize it, but by not backing down, she changes so many hearts and minds. All she asks for is empathy and acceptance.
The Prom will be staged at San Diego Musical Theatre from Friday, May 2, through Sunday, June 1. sdmt.org | 858.560.5740