The Prom – Musical at Cadillac Palace Theatre

Great news for Broadway fans in Chicago – hit musical comedy The Prom is coming your way this spring! From 19 to 24 April 2022, the musical will make the Cadillac Palace Theatre its home. The production will have a total of eight showings in the iconic venue. Written by Bob Martin, Chad Beguelin, and Matthew Skylar, the Prom tells a story about four Broadway actors reminiscing their heydays while traversing to a remote sleepy town Edgewater, Indiana. The group aims to assist a lesbian student who is banned from taking her girlfriend to prom.

The Prom may be a comedy musical, but it tackles topics that can bring awareness to its audience and even display representation for some members of society. The story is based on actual events that happened in 2010. The school banned Constance McMillen from wearing a tuxedo and bringing her girlfriend to prom. She wanted to challenge the school board to prohibit her from obtaining a female date at the prom. In response, the board canceled the prom altogether. With the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, McMillen sued the school district but failed to have the prom reinstated. This turn of events gained media attention and garnered the support of celebrities, such as punk band Green Day, NSYNC member Lance Bass, and celebrity chef Cat Cora. With the help and support of people, McMillen and her girlfriend were able to attend a second chance prom.

In the Prom musical, the lead character Emma, a teenager from Indiana, wanted to take her girlfriend to prom, which prompts the parent-teach association to cancel the event. Emma found an ally in school principal Mr. Hawkins together they tried to reinstate the prom. Eventually, with the help of her friends and the first amendment rights, Emma successfully had the prom reinstated. Did Emma finally get the prom she rightfully deserves? Or will the prom be sabotaged?

“So full of happiness that you think your heart is about to burst.” – Variety

“Think Hairspray meets Dear Evan Hansen.” – Billboard.

“Comic Gold!” – The Hollywood Reporter

The musical’s songs and lyrics were written by six-time Tony-award nominated composer Chad Beguelin. Some of his notable works include Disney’s Alladin, The Wedding Singer, and Elf the Musical. Moreover, The Prom’s creative team is comprised of renowned individuals. Tony Award-winning director Casey Nicholaw comes in as director and choreographer. He is joined by a stellar cast composed of Kaden Kearney as Emma, Kalyn West as Alyssa Greene, Courtney Balan as Dee Dee Allen, Sinclair Mitchell as Mr. Hawkins, and more.

In 2019, The Prom was nominated six times at the Tony Music Awards, five times at the Drama Desk Award – in which it won the Outstanding Musical category, four times at Outer Critic’s Circle Award, and twice at the Drama League Awards. The Prom received critical acclaim for publications after its first season in 2018 to 2019. Jesse Green from the New York Times mentioned that the musical is “such a joyful hoot.” Meanwhile, Sara Holdren from New York Magazine noted that “there’s such genuine joy rolling off the stage in The Prom that you’re ready and willing to forgive it its minor misfires… Did I shed several real tears in The Prom’s final scene? Maybe I did… I also seldom stopped laughing. The show is full of witty delights.”

This spring, The Prom takes place at the iconic Cadillac Palace Theatre. The Cadillac Palace Theatre is a state-of-the-art venue designed by the legendary Rapp Brothers. The theater first opened its doors in 1926. In its early days, the venue had hosted iconic stars, such as Mae West, Sophie Tucker, Bob Booe, Jack Benny, and Jimmy Durante. Today, the Cadillac Palace Theatre is one of the premier venues managed by Broadway in Chicago. The theater boasts lush interiors, architectural splendor, and comfortable plush seats – providing guests with an optimal Broadway experience.

“The kind of show that would make the world a better place if everyone saw it.” – O, the Oprah Magazine

“A smart, big-hearted musical! I seldom stopped laughing.” – New York Magazine