Stage Door News
Stage Door News
A new high school-set musical comedy, created by a cadre of Broadway heavy-hitters, has its sights set on Broadway.
The Prom, a new musical comedy featuring a book by Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin), with music by Tony Award nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf), and lyrics by Beguelin, will receive its pre-Broadway premiere in August as part of the Alliance Theatre's upcoming season in Atlanta.
Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw will direct and choreograph the musical. The in-demand helmer is currently represented on Broadway with The Book of Mormon, Aladdin, Something Rotten! and the upcoming Tuck Everlasting.
Here's how it's billed: "In The Prom, 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."
The Atlanta premiere is presented in association with Broadway producers Dori Berinstein and Bill Damaschke. The Prom is based on an original concept by producer Jack Viertel.
The Tony-winning Alliance has hosted the world premieres of the Broadway musicals Tuck Everlasting, Aida, The Color Purple and Bring It On.
Visit alliancetheatre.org/prom.
By Adam Hetrick for www.playbill.com.
Photo: Bob Martin.
2016-01-12
Atlanta: Bob Martin has written the book for a new musical "The Prom" set to premiere in the 2016/17 season