My thoughts on the Prom movie

[BwayLB]

Posted: 12/21/20 at 8:59pm

Streep proves herself to be a triple threat with her acting, Singing and dancing as Dee Dee particularly in her songs Its Not About Me and The Ladys Improving. Pellman as the leading role of Emma is a promising rising star mostly in her singing. Corden is a surprisingly fun and touching standout as Barry and gets an end twist to his storyline I dont want to give away. Kidman as Angie shines in her big number Zazzz which might give you a bit of Chicago vibes. Rannells as Trent is at his best with his songs! DeBose as Alyssa has strong vocals but I wish she was given more to do. Michael Key while not as big as he was as the main villain Gustafson in Jingle Jangle but still turns in another memorable role as Principal Hawkins even when paired in a scene with Streeps Dee Dee. Washington gets funny bits but her story as the misguided but meaningful Mrs Green gets an emotionally strong finish. Not an overall weak link in the cast. I dont even get all the Corden hate!

All the songs from the 2018-2019 Broadway run of the Prom are featured. And the soundtrack written by Mathew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (book & lyrics) is less generic of a contemporary score than I imagined but is absolutely spectacular. The original choreography by Casey Nicolaw (The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, Aladdin) is so much fun to watch be recreated for a new medium. The numbers range from traditional ballads to bouncy songs with often witty musical references. Theyll make you want sing along and dance!

One thing that concerned me however is the plot was more focused on the adults and their transformation from self absorbed to becoming actual activists then was supposed to be on Emma and Alyssa. I would have enjoyed the story even more if all 6 main characters were given equal focus. Because LGBT love and how it unites this small town is supposed to be the beating heart of the story. But since the message wasnt completely misleading and the music and performances were able to compromise with the entertainment value, Ill let the creators especially who did the Broadway show off on this one. They are some redeeming qualities to spare!

Overall, I give this movie 4/5 stars. Beautifully directed by Glee creator Ryan Murphy, The Prom is another feel good musical extravaganza from Netflix. It is part time whimsical, colorful with sequins, part time emotionally resonating especially in these (hopefully) soon to be over dark times, part song filled comedy and all around fun story of acceptance, opening your heart, growing up and finding the happiness you were meant to have. The magic of musicals keeps coming to life at home around the holiday season. And we couldnt be happier to have music and laughter in Quarantine. Even though the movie went a little below my expectations.

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/21/20 at 9:43pm

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1123838

[BwayLB]

Posted: 12/21/20 at 10:12pm

I thought I show what I wrote on my blog

[HogansHero]

Posted: 12/21/20 at 10:39pm

BwayLB said: "I thought I show what I wrote on my blog"

I think the moral of this thread may be:

Sharing=good

Starting a new thread  to share it=no bueno. 

[BwayLB]

Posted: 12/21/20 at 11:04pm

I transferred my thoughts

[Globefan]

Posted: 12/21/20 at 11:55pm

Ariana DeBose was great in this film and she'll be great again as Anita in West Side Story 

[BwayLB]

Posted: 12/22/20 at 12:41am

^ I have no doubt