Musical Spotlight: The Prom

The Prom resonates as a confetti cannon of compassion. With music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Bob Martin and Beguelin based on a concept by Jack Viertel, it is a contemporary musical that wraps a big-hearted message in classic show-biz sparkle. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, the original production marries razzle-dazzle with a pop-forward score and wry humor that appeals to both teens and adults alike (Wikipedia)(New York Times).

The story unfolds in a small Indiana high school, where prom is canceled rather than allow a lesbian student, Emma, to attend with her girlfriend, Alyssa. Four out-of-work Broadway actors swoop in to “fix” the optics and their own reputations, only to learn that the cause isn’t merely a photo opportunity. The narrative follows Emma’s quiet courage and Alyssa’s journey to self-acceptance, along with the interlopers’ evolution from self-involved activists to genuine allies. It’s a musical comedy that treats queer teens not as side notes but as protagonists with full emotional lives (MTI)(New York Times).

At its glittering core, The Prom argues that joy is a form of protest.

The creative pedigree contributes greatly to the show’s buoyancy. Sklar and Beguelin, having previously collaborated on Broadway, infuse radio-bright melodies with clean comic setups. Martin’s book balances self-parody with sincerity, while Viertel’s original concept keeps the storytelling focused. Nicholaw’s staging—characterized by crisp ensemble movement, knowing showbiz winks, and heartfelt button moments—gives the material a spirited Broadway bounce (Wikipedia)(New York Times).

The Prom premiered at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre in 2016 and moved to Broadway’s Longacre Theatre in 2018. After previews starting October 23, it officially opened on November 15, 2018, and closed on August 11, 2019, following a respectable 23 previews and 309 performances for an original title lacking brand-name IP (Playbill_Vault). The Broadway run garnered seven Tony Award nominations in 2019, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Direction, and acting nods for Brooks Ashmanskas, Caitlin Kinnunen, and Beth Leavel. Although Hadestown won the top prize that season, The Prom’s recognition solidified its artistic footing (Tony Awards).

Signature numbers have quickly entered the contemporary canon. “Just Breathe” launches Emma with wry, anxious patter that allows performers to reveal their nerves without self-pity. “Dance with You” serves as the lyrical heart of the show—two girls envisioning a world that embraces them. “Unruly Heart” transitions from confession to anthem, a message song that feels earned by the time the chorus swells. The comedic set pieces also shine, with “Love Thy Neighbor” slyly interrogating cherry-picked morality and “Zazz” delivering a Fosse-flavored confidence boost. The crowd-pleasers—“Tonight Belongs to You” and “It’s Time to Dance”—furnish a full-company release. The latter marked a cultural milestone during the 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast, featuring the first televised same-sex kiss, widely reported as a groundbreaking moment for family-viewing television (Variety).

The show’s reach expanded with a star-studded 2020 Netflix film directed by Ryan Murphy, featuring Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, James Corden, Ariana DeBose, Kerry Washington, and newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman as Emma. This adaptation introduced the story to a global audience and reignited interest in school and regional productions (Netflix). Concurrently, licensing through MTI has made The Prom a staple for academic stages; as of Fall 2025, it remains a popular choice for high schools and colleges seeking inclusive, contemporary repertoire that showcases robust ensemble moments (MTI).

The cultural resonance of The Prom is notably grounded in reality. Its premise echoes a 2010 Mississippi case where a high school canceled prom after a student sought to bring a same-sex date—an incident covered extensively by national media, leading to a settlement facilitated by the ACLU (New York Times). By centering a queer teen’s longing for a fundamental rite of passage, the musical transforms “issue” theater into joy-forward storytelling, reminding us how quickly traditions can become exclusionary—and how easily music, humor, and empathy can create openings.

For performers and educators engaged with The Prom in Fall 2025, a few practical notes can enhance preparation and performance. “Unruly Heart” sits well for mezzo and soprano voices. Focus on shaping a clear conversational verse, preserving the build into the bridge while delaying a belted climax until after a moment of emotion. This song thrives when honesty leads the expression. “Dance with You” flourishes on unforced intimacy; maintain warmth in head voice or mix, while avoiding decorative riffs that might detract from the characters’ vulnerability. For baritenors tackling “Love Thy Neighbor,” precision is critical: articulate the patter cleanly, timing punchlines for maximum comedic effect. When selecting audition cuts for “It’s Time to Dance,” aim for 16–32 bars that capture rhythmic lift and ensemble vitality; crisp consonants and buoyant mix will yield better results than pure volume alone.

Casting and rehearsal practices can also benefit from thoughtful approaches. Inclusive casting illuminates Emma and Alyssa’s arcs without reducing them to stereotypes, and incorporating an intimacy director—even for PG-13 moments—helps student and community companies foster trust surrounding touch, proximity, and public affection. Such care pays off with genuinely earned finales (MTI).

When revisiting the score, start with highlights from the Original Broadway Cast before sampling the film adaptation to understand how screen scale alters musical storytelling while preserving core themes (Netflix). For a piece of Broadway history, revisit coverage of the 2018 parade performance to see how a single televised kiss can reshape who belongs at the table (Variety).

The Prom’s legacy, now well-established in regional and educational theaters, is simple and profound: a glittering invitation to belong. In a season that calls for both courage and celebration, that invitation continues to resonate on stage—and beyond.