The Prom
book by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
based on an original concept by Jack Viertel
Originally produced at Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, GA
August 18 to September 25, 2016
About the Premiere Production:
Synopsis: Emma becomes an instant outcast—and a national headline—when her high school cancels the prom rather than let her attend with her girlfriend. Sensing a chance to correct an injustice—and maybe get some good publicity along the way—a group of fading celebrities takes up the cause, and invades Emma's small Indiana town. But their bumbling attempts at social activism make the situation far worse than they—or Emma—could have ever imagined. Cultures clash and the town erupts in chaos. The community's reputation, Emma's future, and the actors' careers all hang in the balance, until a true hero emerges to save the day. Uproarious and ultimately uplifting, this new musical proves that standing up for yourself—and inspiring others to accept their differences—can make you the star you were always meant to be.
Artistic Statement: The incredible story and mass appeal of The Prom guarantees its long life on the American stage. In post-marriage-equality America, The Prom offers a hilarious yet unflinching look at the difficulties that still face many gay and lesbian members of our society, while fully celebrating their recent victory. School bullying, harassment, systemic civil rights violations, and the challenges of coming out and owning your identity are front and center in this play. But as the audience watches Emma navigate these challenges, what emerges is also a heart-warming coming of age story about falling in love for the first time and just being a teenager who wants a magical night at her high school prom. The Prom is also a play about the ongoing struggle to find your place and purpose in adult life. In the midst of our fading celebrities' bumbling and unwanted attempts to help Emma's situation is the story of older women and queer-identified individuals working to protect their hard won rights for a younger generation. We also see parents struggling to reconcile what they feel is right for their children with the momentum of history, and we witness the essential role of educators in our communities as we watch the careful attempts of the principal to bring a divided community together. A comedy about growing up and being grown, New York and the Midwest, identity and community change, The Prom has something for everyone.
Grant Statement: "Support from the Edgerton Foundation has allowed us to extend The Prom’s rehearsal period, enabling the creative team to make essential adjustments to the script and technical components of the play,” Mike Schleifer, managing director at Alliance Theatre. “During the Alliance's previous collaboration with Casey Nicholaw on Tuck Everlasting, the creative team made expert changes to the play during the preview period, and we expect the same level of rigor and skill for The Prom.”
Cast: Mary Antonini, Brooks Ashmanskas, Anna Grace Barlow, Courtenay Collins, Collins Conley, Demarius R. Copes, Keven Csolak, Shelby Finnie, Damon J. Gillespie, Sheldon Henry, Caitlin Kinnunen, Clayton Landley, Beth Leavel, Becca Lee, Chris Medlin, Martin Moran, Angie Schworer, Christopher Sieber, Brendon Stimson, Teddy Toye, and Michelle West.
Set Designer: Scott Pask
Lighting Designer: Kenneth Posner
Costume Designer:
Ann Roth, Matthew Pachtman
Sound Designer: Peter Hylenski
Musical Director and Conductor: Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Stage Manager: Holly Coombs
Orchestrations: Larry Hochman
Assoicate Director: Casey Hushion
Music and Dance Arrangements: Glen Kelly
Associate Choreographer: John MacInnis
Hair Design: Josh Marquette
Associate Music Director: Meg Zervoulis
Award Wins and Nominations
Tony Award®
Best Musical
2019 Nominee
Produced by Bill Damaschke , Dori Berinstein , Jack Lane , James & Catherine Berges , Nelda Sue Yaw , Natasha Davison , Joe Grandy , Kimberlee Garris , Lisa Morris , Terry Schnuck , Jane Dubin , Rosalind Productions, Inc. , Fahs Productions , Seth A. Goldstein , Mike Kriak , Don & Nancy Ross , Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra & Stephen Della Pietra , Cliff Hopkins , Masie Productions , Vivek Shah , Three Belles & A Bob , Arment-Tackel , Armstrong-Manocherian , Fakler-Silver , Fox Theatricals-Mosbacher-Lonow , Palitz-Stern-Smedes , Nancy & Ken Kranzberg/David Lyons , Larry & Elizabeth Lenke/Elizabeth L. Green , Iris Smith/InStone Productions , Kuhlman-Ketner/Wallace-ATxRandomProductions , The John Gore Organization and The Shubert Organization (Philip J. Smith: Chairman; Robert E. Wankel: President) ; Produced in association with Independent Presenters Network , Margot Astrachan , Darren P. DeVerna & Jeremiah J. Harris and Reagan Silber
Best Book Of A Musical
2019 Nominee
Book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin
Best Original Score Written For The Theatre
2019 Nominee
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Best Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role In A Musical
2019 Nominee
Brooks Ashmanskas
Best Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role In A Musical
2019 Nominee
Caitlin Kinnunen
Beth Leavel
Best Direction Of A Musical
2019 Nominee
Directed by Casey Nicholaw
Drama Desk Award
Outstanding Musical
2019 Winner
Produced by Bill Damaschke , Dori Berinstein , Jack Lane , James & Catherine Berges , Nelda Sue Yaw , Natasha Davison , Joe Grandy , Kimberlee Garris , Lisa Morris , Terry Schnuck , Jane Dubin , Rosalind Productions, Inc. , Fahs Productions , Seth A. Goldstein , Mike Kriak , Don & Nancy Ross , Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra & Stephen Della Pietra , Cliff Hopkins , Masie Productions , Vivek Shah , Three Belles & A Bob , Arment-Tackel , Armstrong-Manocherian , Fakler-Silver , Fox Theatricals-Mosbacher-Lonow , Palitz-Stern-Smedes , Nancy & Ken Kranzberg/David Lyons , Larry & Elizabeth Lenke/Elizabeth L. Green , Iris Smith/InStone Productions , Kuhlman-Ketner/Wallace-ATxRandomProductions , The John Gore Organization and The Shubert Organization (Philip J. Smith: Chairman; Robert E. Wankel: President) ; Produced in association with Independent Presenters Network , Margot Astrachan , Darren P. DeVerna & Jeremiah J. Harris and Reagan Silber
MTl Award For Outstanding Book Of A Musical
2019 Nominee
Book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin
Outstanding Actor In A Musical
2019 Nominee
Brooks Ashmanskas
Outstanding Actress In A Musical
2019 Nominee
Beth Leavel
MTI Award For Outstanding Lyrics
2019 Nominee
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Subsequent Productions:
- Charleston Stage in Charleston, SC August 24, 2023 - Sept. 17, 2023
- Short North Stage in Columbus, OH March 14, 2024 - April 7, 2024
- ZACH Theatre in Austin, TX April 3, 2024 - May 12, 2024
- Trustus Theatre in Columbia, SC June 14, 2024 - July 13, 2024
- SpeakEasy Stage Company in Boston, MA May 5, 2023 - June 3, 2023
- Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, UT May 12, 2023 - May 27, 2023