Liam is back in Wilmington, NC once again as part of Opera House Theatre Company's production of
The Prom, running until September 7 - 17.
Program here:
https://me-qr.com/mobile/pdf/17167562
Liam also has photos and videos on Instagram from the show as well as backstage.
{Editorial comments}
Watching Liam dance across the Thalian Hall stage remains a true delight, hard to match elsewhere. Liam stands out as an exceptional dancer and Carson Hobbs does an excellent job with choreography that Liam can utilize to demonstrate his skills.
Overall I think OHTC does a nice job with this production (albeit with a couple significant weaknesses) although I have not seen
The Prom elsewhere. One of these days perhaps I'll get to watch the Netflix movie. However, it seems to me the biggest detraction for
The Prom is simply the source material not being that good. To my eye,
The Prom relies on cliche a bit too much and especially falling into the trap that is one of the biggest criticisms of musicals: Take a bleak, hopeless situation and by singing one song, the problems are fully resolved with the perfect solution.
I have to think this is why
The Prom didn't last a year on Broadway.
Anyway, another notable aspect in the OHTC production is how the two 'Broadway stars' sing very well, act well (overact, but that is in character), but are not particularly light on their feet. It isn't unusual for musical leads not to be triple threats, but it is another level when I am struck with the thought that perhaps their moves are more for humor than to represent how Broadway stars can dance. One silver lining is that the dance specialists in the ensemble can shine even more.
There are other good dancers in this ensemble, but no one else has Liam's
flair. Of course, with his background, Liam has the highest kicks. But it's also an extra twirl here, a bonus shimmy and shake there that makes Liam such a spectacle. I don't know what the official rules (or politics) are around being Dance Captain but it sure seems like Liam's talent is at that level.
I am eagerly looking forward to what's next for Liam. And hope there's more in Wilmington since I'm in the process of moving to the area!
