“It’s Mickey and Judy time!”
With a basis in a true news story which circulated in 2010, The Prom introduces us to Emma and Alyssa, two high school sweethearts battling to be public dates at their upcoming prom. First premiering as a Broadway musical in 2018, The Prom (as adapted by Ryan Murphy for Netflix) floats and glides along with lights, camera and satisfACTION!
Those unfamiliar with the musical will enjoy the witty numbers, from the showy opening where failing Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (James Corden) lament their one-night opening (and closing) of their latest stage production. Aided and abetted by fellow theatricals Nicole Kidman (Angie) and Andrew Rannells (Trent), the quartet decide to become “activists” to help shine a light on their waning celebrity. Enter newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman (Emma), a charismatic high school girl who happens to be gay, planning to attend her prom with her sweetheart Alyssa, played by Arian DeBose. However, the PTA (lead by Kerry Washington in a villainous villainess role) won’t hear of a lesbian couple appearing as dates at their conservative Indiana high school. So, the only way to oppose it? Why cancel prom altogether, of course!
What ensues is a back and forth of the Broadway faction fighting against the cohort of parents and students of this Indiana town. Meryl Streep and Keegan Michael Key (Principal Tom Hawkins) shine as they develop a love interest, he being a fan of her Broadway work and she being a fan of anyone who will truly keep her grounded. Kidman and Corden add to the set dressing with fun numbers of their own, followed up by Rannells who really drives home “Love Thy Neighbor” when trying to inspire Emma’s Christian classmates to see the light. Rounding out the cast are Mary Kay Place and Tracey Ullman in fun cameos.
The Prom is a frothy delight, particularly if you were uninspired by Murphy’s most recent entry Ratched. His work can be hit and miss, but with this strong source material, he takes us back to his Glee roots by providing us with showy dance numbers, scintillating lighting, and dramatic interludes which might make you cry. (I did. Five times.)
Check out this diversion on Netflix now, especially if you want to forget your own prom memories, and replace them with slick new magic Murphy ones.
