It has been over a month since the onscreen adaptation of the Broadway musical, The Prom, made its debut on Netflix. Over the holiday season, movie buffs and musical theatre fans crowded around their screens to enjoy the Ryan Murphy directed story about Emma Nolan (played by newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman), a teenager from a small Indiana town, who fights for her right to attend her high school prom with her girlfriend. With the help of a band of Broadway misfits played by Meryl Streep (as Dee Dee Allen), James Corden (as Barry Glickman), Nicole Kidman (as Angie Dickinson), and Andrew Rannells (as Trent Oliver), it is filled with dazzling toe-tappers and tear-inducing ballads.
While the songs are cleverly crafted and arranged, the music is only one part of the mosaic that makes up The Prom. Here is a ranking that’ll breakdown the music and other aspects of the musical, including the dancing, acting, set design, costumes, and more.
Changing Lives - Reprise
Much like its predecessor, the “Changing Lives-Reprise” also relies on musical theatre references to delight Broadway fans. With a stunning set design by production designer Jamie Walker McCall that replicates an imaginary Great White Way, it’s the perfect opportunity for viewers to point out Easter eggs such as marquees and Broadway posters.
This performance also sets up the catalyst for the story and presents a rich contrast between the two locations of the film: Edgewater, Indiana, and New York City. It’s a fun and quick moment that heavily depends on the mise-en-scène.
Barry Is Going To Prom
As the title says, this moment is the point in the film where James Corden’s character, showman Barry Glickman gets everything he ever wanted. It’s a satisfying moment for the audience, and find a nice balance between spectacle and honesty.
Although it’s a great moment, it’s not the movie’s most memorable or catchiest number. There are other character-centered numbers that pack a more potent punch. That being said, it does a fine job of gaining more insight into Glickman’s past and fulfills its purpose of advancing the story.
The Acceptance Song
In the sixth musical number of The Prom, "The Acceptance Song," the movie takes a departure from it's glitzy and heartfelt moments to bring out some laughs. This moment is Andrew Rannell's time to shine, and his signature comedic chops are at their peak.
With purposely cheesy lyrics, this moment proves that abolishing prejudice isn't as simple as the song claims. The juxtaposition between the choir and the monster truck arena is comedy gold, and the image of Trent's American Flag themed leather jacket is the cherry on top. One of the only downsides is that it's not long enough.
Zazz
No strangers to iconic movie musicals like Moulin Rouge! (2001), Nicole Kidman shows-off her impressive dance skills by channeling her inner chorus girl and helping Emma rebuild herself.
Emma’s living room transforms and connotes imagery of cabaret clubs with cool blue lighting that highlights this red hot number. While it’s not the most memorable moment in the film, it’s fun and necessary. Also, it allows Kidman to give it her all and functions in a similar vein to the Bend and Snap of Legally Blonde (2001) fame.
The Lady's Improving
Out of all the songs in The Prom, this song demonstrates the most character growth. The song, which is actually from Dee Dee’s award-winning performance in the fictional musical, Swallow the Moon, demonstrates that the narcissist diva is not a lost cause.
Featuring a superb costume by designer Lou Eyrich, Dee Dee uses her powerful voice and dance skills to prove to her love interest, Principal Hawkins (portrayed by Keegan Michael Key), that she can and will grow. This number doesn’t pack as much punch as “It’s Not About Me,” but it shows how much Dee Dee has come since the start of the film and how far she has to go.
Changing Lives
One of the things that The Prom does best is ensemble numbers. In the case of “Changing Lives,” we are not only introduced to Meryl Streep’s Dee Dee and James Cordon’s Barry but also a dazzling chorus that lets the audience know that they are buckling in for one eye-popping and energy fueled experience. It also features many winks and nods geared towards diehard Broadway fans with its musical theatre references.
It’s a dizzying spectacle that establishes two of the film’s leading characters, the film’s vibrant color palette, and impressive choreography.
Tonight Belongs To You - Reprise
Arguably, this is the most heartbreaking moment in The Prom. It's short but packs a punch when it's revealed that the PTA has tricked Emma and rearranged the prom's location and excludes her from attending it.
Viewers can see the heartache, disappointment, and all the character growth melt right off of Emma. Murphy does an excellent job of following up the upbeat nature of "Tonight Belongs to You" with this sorrowful reprise by showing the two different proms and the liveliness of one and the disappointment of the other.
We Look To You
Keegan Michael’s Key’s character, Principal Tom Hawkins, is perhaps the most helpful person in the film. He’s everything an educator should be: A champion for Emma and Alyssa’s rights and a fearless challenger of authority. So, by the time this song comes around halfway through the film, his moment is more than earned.
He sings to Dee Dee in a dimly lit Applebee’s about the importance of escapism and the life-changing effects that she and the theatre have had on him. Unfortunately, it’s a quiet moment that is outshined by the bigger numbers, but it is sweet and earnest and masterfully directed by Murphy.
Dance With You
"Dance with You" introduces us to Emma's girlfriend, Alyssa Greene. In this touching duet, the couple runs through a fantastical and imaginary forest that acts as a safe place in the chaos of their reality. Between the calming production design and the lyrics, this performance is the film's real thesis: the right to love without conflict or objection.
This performance echoes the sentiment of many other stories just like it. It's a quiet yet powerful moment that is enhanced by its stunning visuals.
You Happened
Upon watching “You Happened” for the first time, one should be cautious that they might catch a severe case of earworm. The performance chronicles the Gen Z tradition of promposals and the catchy lyrics are complimented by some impressive dancing that makes this one engaging viewing experience. Also, the performance proudly show-offs the artistic and athleticism of the gifted ensemble.
But beneath all the fun is something troubling. The majority of the performance is situated around Emma’s homophobic classmates. Meanwhile, Emma and Alyssa have to do their promposal in secret. It’s a hard-hitting moment concealed under a pop music inspired musical number that expertly demonstrates the many privileges that straight couples have.
