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.
Alyssa Greene
One of the greatest things about the musical genre is that the music can capture the feelings that words cannot. In “Alyssa Greene,” the cheerleader played by Tony nominee Ariana DeBose, sings an inner-monologue about the pressure of trying to obtain and maintain a perfect image.
Much like “Just Breathe,” this moment lacks any razzle-dazzle, and it’s all the better for it. There’s no need for it because the audience needs to focus on the severity of Alyssa’s words and understand the truth behind why she is hesitating to show her true self.
Just Breathe
This is the third performance in the film, and unlike “Changing Lives” and its reprise, it roots itself in reality. In conjunction with Jo Ellen Pellman’s voice and the lyrics, the muted design does a solid job of transporting the audience from Manhattan to a small town in Indiana.
It introduces us to the protagonist, Emma Nolan, and her antagonists: her classmates. Murphy creates a sense of empathy that lacks in the glitzier numbers by keeping this performance grounded in a more neutral and diluted aesthetic.
Unruly Heart
Emma spends a large majority of the film either influenced or hurt by other characters, and in this number, she is one hundred percent her genuine and authentic self. She finally uses her voice to not only stand up for herself but a community of other LGBTQ+ teenagers.
It’s a beautiful anthem, and getting to not only hear but see appearances by LGBTQ performers as the frame spins around makes it one of the best parts of the movie. Murphy does a great job of utilizing this editing technique to prove that Emma’s story isn’t singular but is rather representative of many other experiences.
Love Thy Neighbor
Once again, Andrew Rannells proves that his comedy is effective, powerful, and unbeatable. In "Love Thy Neighbor," his character, Trent, sings about Emma's classmate's hypocrisy and the endless amount of contradictions in the Bible. It's a show-stopper with heart and relies on the pure talent of Rannells and the ensemble. Against the backdrop of a mall, this performance takes place in the latter half of the film and is worth the wait.
With tambourines, a fountain, and jokes aplenty, this gospel-influenced number is chalked full of humor and depth, making it impossible to resist.
Tonight Belongs To You
In this eleven o’clock number, the majority of The Prom’s cast gets in on the action and makes this powerhouse moment thrilling and captivating.
Situated around the students preparing for the biggest night of their lives, this number pushes Emma outside of her comfort zone. It also highlights the unsung heroes of musicals: the ensemble and allows them to shine. The dance sequence is a sight to behold, and it’s all thanks to the musical’s original Broadway director, Casey Nicholaw, and his adapted choreography for the screen.
It's Not About Me
In this number, two worlds collide, Indiana and Broadway. When the group of Broadway misfits enters a tension-filled PTA meeting, Dee Dee Alleen leads the way with a dramatic show-stopping solo that captivates (and confuses) everyone.
This is a can't-look-away performance by Streep and proves that she's at the top of her game. Murphy expertly blends the two opposing environments seamlessly between the eye-catching lighting and her Paso Doble inspired choreography. Plus, Dee Dee's cape tossing is such a standout and memorable moment that deserves its very own applause.
It's Time To Dance
It's hard to top a closing number, and The Prom lives up to that with "It's Time to Dance." It's an astonishing amalgamation of the film's trademark dazzle, heart, and stunning production design. The colors that pop off the screen are as vibrant as the lyrics. Everything falls into a hopeful place and is supported by the choreography, vocals, and enthusiasm of the cast.
By the end of the song, the audience knows where all the characters' land, and it ends with the peace of mind knowing that these unruly hearts will be okay.