Musicals have always been a popular form of entertainment, but in recent years they have taken on a life of their own. With the success of shows like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, it’s clear that audiences are hungry for more. Enter: The Prom.
The Prom is a musical comedy with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Bob Martin and Beguelin. The show premiered on Broadway in 2018 and quickly gained critical acclaim for its catchy songs, hilarious script, and heartfelt message.
At its core, The Prom is about acceptance. When Emma Nolan (played by Caitlin Kinnunen), a high school student in Indiana wants to take her girlfriend to prom, the PTA cancels the event altogether rather than allow same-sex couples to attend. A group of self-obsessed Broadway stars (played by Beth Leavel, Brooks Ashmanskas, Christopher Sieber, and Angie Schworer) hear about the story and decide to travel to Indiana to help Emma fight back against the PTA.
The show has been praised for its powerful performances from both newcomers like Kinnunen as well as seasoned veterans like Leavel. It also features energetic dance numbers choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (who also directed).
One standout song from The Prom is “You Happened.” In this number, Alyssa Greene (Emma’s closeted girlfriend played by Isabelle McCalla) comes out publicly during a school assembly while singing about how she never expected to fall in love with another girl but couldn’t help herself because “you happened.”
Another highlight of The Prom is its witty dialogue. Martin and Beguelin are known for their work on comedies like The Drowsy Chaperone and Elf: The Musical so it’s no surprise that The Prom is full of laugh-out-loud moments.
But what sets The Prom apart from other musicals is its message of acceptance and the importance of standing up for what’s right. In a time where LGBTQ+ rights are constantly being threatened, The Prom serves as a reminder that love is love and everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
Overall, The Prom is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves musicals or just wants to see a heartwarming story about acceptance. With its talented cast, catchy songs, and powerful message, it’s no wonder why it has been nominated for multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical.