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A Prom Queen Stands By Her Zombie

Ivy Tech and the Bloomington Playwrights Project presents the Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble's production of Zombie Prom, the hit off-Broadway send-up of the teen monster movies of the 1950s that's laced with original rock 'n' roll tunes in the style of the era. The show will be the result of four packed weeks of rehearsals.

Both Hats

Jacobs School of Music grad Eric Anderson has worked with nearly every Indiana University campus and community theatre group over the years. This is his third season with the Youth Musical Theatre.

His work with them has been an evolution. "Two years ago, I was quite happy to be just the music director. Last year, things started that way as well, but then the stage director got a full time job elsewhere. Chad Rabinowitz, the Bloomington Playwrights Project's artistic director, asked me to take over, and I did. This summer, right from the beginning, I've been wearing both hats."

A Distinctive Glow

Edgewood student Wynn Brower is the zombie of the title. A motorcycle accident at a local nuclear power plant has not kept him from loving his high school sweetheart, though it has left him with a distinctive glow. "All I want to do is graduate and take my girlfriend to the prom, but it kind of freaks out the school principal."

The girlfriend is played by Bloomington South student Abi Poynter. "She's pretty gutsy, and decides to sort of stand by her man. I enjoy musicals," Poynter says. "My character is a nice person who wants to do the right thing. Playing her has been fun."

The Youth Musical Theatre project brings together a diverse group of teenagers, produces a show in just a little under a month, and then wraps up for another year. Following the performances, director Eric Anderson will go on to other projects. Wynn Brower is hoping to be playing his clarinet with the Edgewood Mustang's Marching Band. And Abi Poynter's family is moving to Illinois. She's hoping to find a choir and other musical opportunities there.

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