Director Ryan Murphy’s The Prom entails a dazzling and somewhat cheesy musical comedy about how a group of self-adoring actors find themselves rallying behind high schooler Emma (Jo Ellen Pellman) after learning her school’s prom could be canceled because she wants to attend with her girlfriend. The story follows the self-involved theatre divas Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman’s (James Cordon) journey in trying to persuade their critics that they are in fact selfless actors deserving of better recognition.

In the opening scene, Allen and Glickman perform in the musical based on president Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s wife and America’s first lady Eleanore Roosevelt, in the musical called Elenore! However their execution in the roles is poorly received by critics, and they are deemed too selfish to ever make it big. So, naturally, the high-maintenance stars travel to Indiana after hearing about Emma’s school’s angry and homophobic Parent Teacher Association’s plans to cancel the prom. They plan to protest and show their LGBTQ+ support for Emma and her girlfriend at their school in an attempt to try to be less selfish.

In the midst of a debate between the PTA and the high school on whether or not an inclusive prom can be held, Allen and Glickman interrupt to confront the homophobic parents and make it known that they are there to support Emma in the song “It’s Not About Me”. 

Through numerous songs, it is learned from the principal of Emma’s high school that theater allows for small-town folk to escape their lives and be themselves. This ties the common theme of acceptance and theater together, making for an easily understandable message and plot. 

It is expected for a musical comedy to be slightly cheesy and overdramatic, however, most showbiz gags were overkill and were excessively played out. Additionally, the pastel color theme seemed to become an eyesore instead of an enhancement to the film like a Wes Anderson color palette. 

Despite the sometimes overdramatic humor and slightly overbearing glee, it is important to note that Murphy’s movie represents acceptance and optimism that can bring all kinds of people together. Overall, Murphy’s The Prom is a glamorous and sparkly musical comedy that helps to bring forward the important message of love and forgiveness by including the LGBTQ+ community.