Overview
Synopsis
The careers of four eccentric Broadway stars are struggling and they desperately need a new stage upon which to shine bright once more. Seeking out a cause, they head straight to small-town Indiana. Through social media, they have heard of trouble brewing around a school prom. Local girl, Emma Nolan, wants to take her girlfriend to prom but the homophobic PTA are on a mission to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow. Determined to transform lives and put themselves back in the limelight, the Broadway celebrities muscle in to change the town and give Emma the prom she deserves.
Show Information
- Book
- Bob Martin , Chad Beguelin
- Music
- Matthew Sklar
- Lyrics
- Chad Beguelin
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2016
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance
- Settings
- Contemporary, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Indiana, America, Present Day
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Theatrical Rights Worldwide
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
The Prom is based on an original idea by Jack Viertel. It premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta for a 5 week run in 2016. The show then moved to Broadway, opening at the Longacre Theatre in November 2018. It ran for 309 performances, closing in August 2019, and received 7 Tony Award nominations . A national tour is scheduled for 2021.
The Prom was released as a Netflix movie in Fall 2020, starring Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannels, and featuring newcomer Jo
to read the context for The Prom and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
As the show opens Dee Dee and Barry are reveling in the opening night attention of Eleanor! - The Eleanor Roosevelt Musical. Sheldon, their publicist, ushers them through the press and the actors discuss the incredible characters they create who inspire and change lives (“Our Hands Are Tied“) However, although the initial review was positive, more reviews start to come in and they are not so kind. Critics are savaging the production and slamming the performances of Dee Dee and
to read the plot for The Prom and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Alto, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone, Bass-Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
Songs
Act One
- "Changing Lives" - Dee Dee, Barry, Ensemble
- "Changing Lives" (Reprise) - Dee Dee, Barry, Angie, Trent
- "Just Breathe" - Emma
- "It's Not About Me" - Dee Dee, Barry, Angie, Trent, Ensemble
- "Dance with You" - Emma, Alyssa
- "The Acceptance Song" - Trent, Dee Dee, Barry, Angie, Ensemble
- "You Happened" - Emma, Alyssa, Ensemble
- "We Look to You" - Mr. Hawkins
- "Tonight Belongs to You" - Barry, Emma, Mrs. Greene, Ensemble
Act Two
- Entr'acte - Orchestra
- "Zazz" - Angie, Emma
- "The Lady's Improving" - Dee Dee
- "Love Thy Neighbor" - Trent, Ensemble
- "Alyssa Greene" - Alyssa
- "Barry Is Going to Prom" - Barry
- "Unruly Heart" - Emma, Ensemble
- “Changing Lives” (reprise) - Barry, Angie, Dee Dee, Trent, Sheldon, Mr. Hawkins
- "It's Time to Dance" - Emma, Alyssa, Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher