Wellington students rehearse the opening number on May 20 as they prepare for ‘Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition’ to open the beginning of June.
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS staff
Drama students at Wellington Secondary are bringing laughs, music, and a powerful message of acceptance to the stage with their upcoming production of Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition.
Set in the 1950s, the musical follows a teenage love story. An unexpected turn comes when a student returns to school after a nuclear accident. While the show leans heavily into comedy, catchy songs, and over-the-top characters, the cast and crew emphasise that it also explores themes that continue to resonate with modern audiences.
“It’s a love story,” said student actor Amelia Brown, who plays Candy. “But expect the unexpected. There are so many plot twists.” With that unpredictability in mind, the cast shares how deeper messages drive the show.
Fellow student Molly Racz, who plays Toffee, elaborates on those themes: the musical’s deeper messages centre around acceptance and inclusivity.
“This story is about fighting for what you believe in and the right thing,” she said. “You could put it in almost any setting because it connects to people being judged for how they identify.”
Although Zombie Prom is set in the 1950s and written in the 1990s, students agree that its themes remain relevant today.
“There’s still a huge fight for people to feel accepted,” Brown added. “The story really connects to that.”
Beyond the story itself, students say audiences can expect energetic choreography, colourful costumes, and large musical numbers.
Brown said one of her favourite scenes is “Rules, Regulations and Respect,” a fast-paced ensemble number that requires precise timing and teamwork from the cast.
The production includes choreography inspired by classic musicals such as Grease and Hairspray. At the same time, student choreographers put their own spin on the dances.
Behind the scenes, students and staff have invested months. The cast features about 45 students. And the production boast an impressive wardrobe with more than 100 costumes.
Costume designer Parker Johansen said the show has been one of his favourite productions to work on.
“One of my favourite things to do is take a period piece and bring out the most recognisable parts,” he said. “It’s less about perfect historical accuracy and more about what people imagine the 1950s looked like.”
Johansen hand-sewed roughly half of the costumes himself. He even sourced some authentic vintage pieces from members of Nanaimo’s costuming community.
Reflecting on the experience, students emphasise the collaboration needed to stage a large musical production.
“The show is one show,” Brown said. “It’s not one person’s show. Everybody has to work together.”
Rehearsals and casting for Zombie Prom began earlier this year, building on planning that started near the beginning of the school year.
As opening night approaches, cast and crew members say they hope audiences leave entertained and with a clear understanding of the show’s message about acceptance.
“I also hope they don’t jump into a nuclear vat after this,” said Brown with a laugh. “Don’t do it.”
Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition will be staged June 3–6 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in cash at the door: $20 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children under 12 years old.