Broadway World - Recommended
"...The Prom, which is playing the LA leg of its tour at Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theatre, is an old-fashioned, joy-filled gem of a contemporary musical. Though fused with the pop sounds of the latest Broadway grab toward tween-friendly franchises, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin's score has a heart that leans more toward the unabashed sincerity of The Pajama Game or The Music Man than the more saccharine offerings from the current scene."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Dust off the Mylar balloons and wrist corsages and head over to The Ahmanson Theatre, where The Prom just landed as part of its national tour. Forget smelly gymnasiums or dated themes, as this prom is full of high-energy dance numbers, colorful characters, theatrical in-jokes and a litany of Broadway-style tunes that divert even as they refuse to stay knocking around in your head. Painted with very broad strokes, there are Afterschool Special moments about inclusivity and the importance of arts education sandwiched between laughs. Oh, and The Prom on stage is far far better than the dismal 2020 Netflix filmed adaptation with Meryl Streep."
LA Splash - Highly Recommended
"...Get ready for a finger-snapping, toe-tapping, music fest performed by a peppy crew of nearly 30 - all inviting you to enjoy THE PROM. With book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, THE PROM literally jumps right off the stage and into your hearts. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, this is a musical which will knock your socks off. So hold onto your seat as THE PROM leaps across the stage."
Stage Scene LA - Highly Recommended
"...A gaggle of liberal-minded Broadway narcissists descend on conservative Middle America to aid an Indiana teen who just wants to dance in public with the girl she loves in The Prom, the multiple-Tony-nominated musical that now ranks sky-high on my list of 21st-century favorites."
Entertainment Weekly - Highly Recommended
"...If any one lyric of The Prom's score could sum up its story of identity, activism, and living proudly as your true self, it's that - the reminder that we only get one life to be good, selfless, kind, courageous, and ourselves. So, why not start now?"
Stage Raw - Somewhat Recommended
"...The large ensemble is vocally solid and energetically supports the musical’s many bright, upbeat showstoppers. Courtney Balan’s performance as Broadway diva Dee Dee Allen is equally polished and broad. While Patrick Wetzel plays Barry with the panache of an old pro, the performance is largely phoned-in. Bud Weber is endearing as Trent Oliver, Julliard’s proudest. Kaden Kearney’s Emma is grounded and straightforward, while Kayln West finds sweet sincerity as Emma’s conflicted and closeted girlfriend, Alyssa. Sinclair Mitchell is refreshing as the school principal and voice of reason, Mr. Hawkins, and Emily Borromeo’s Angie is surprisingly endearing."
Ticket Holders LA - Somewhat Recommended
"...All this should signal that The Prom will be an instant success in its tenancy at the Ahmanson but unfortunately, although they're all human and easily corrected, the tour has its problems. As clever as Casey Nickolaw's original direction and spirited choreography may be and as much as I was charmed by the score and hilariously tongue-in-cheek book by Martin and Beguelin, this production suffers from a case of that dreaded malady I call roadshow-itis."
Its Not About Me - Highly Recommended
"...If you enjoy fun and laughter, (and who doesn’t?,) you must run right out to see The Prom at the Ahmanson Theatre. On opening night, I didn’t want it to end; the second it was over, I wanted to see it again! My friend said the same thing. We both agreed that it’s one of the best productions we’ve ever seen."
Indulge Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...The Prom is the perfect confection for our trying times. The 2½ hour show fleets by, thanks to the exuberant dance numbers, memorable anthems, and bonafide comedy handled by a stellar ensemble. It's based on an original concept by Jack Viertel (whose book The Secret Life of the American Musical is essential reading for theater fans) and blessed with a witty, boisterously entertaining book by Tony-award winner, Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and six-time Tony nominee, Chad Beguelin (Aladdin)."
