Broadway has a long history of telling important stories in a way that makes people feel good, all the while teaching us about not-so-good things. Things like fascism (“Evita”),  war (“South Pacific”), Nazis (“Cabaret”), more Nazis (“The Sound of Music”) and even more wars (“Miss Saigon,” “Shenandoah” and “1776”). 

If the powers that be are incredibly talented, like the creators of the musicals mentioned here, something magical happens. We have a good time. We enjoy the story. Sometimes the story informs us in such a creative way that we don’t even realize that we’re learning something. Sometimes we grow; sometimes we change. Sometimes we’re deeply moved. 

All of those things are happening nightly (with a few matinees thrown in for good measure) as audiences live, learn and laugh during a performance of “The Prom”—currently playing live on stage at the Forestburgh Playhouse.

I went in knowing nothing. I had no clue what the story was about. I had not heard that the show, skillfully crafted by Chad Beguelin (book and lyrics) and Matthew Sklar (music), and based on an original concept (Jack Viertel), is drawn from real life, like so many incredible musicals are. I had zero clue that the show is about social conscience. Now I know. And just like the fantastic hit shows that came before it, “The Prom” is insanely entertaining, brimming with memorable songs and performed by a cast of actors who separately and together, are making the playhouse proud. 

Starring Robert Anthony Jones as the irrepressible and incredibly fey Barry; Trista Moldovan as the narcissistic, diva with-a-heart-of-gold Dee Dee; Stephanie Pope Lofgren as the boozy, overlooked, wisecracking Angie; and James Patterson as the annoyingly loveable Trent, “The Prom” soars on every level. Jones is laugh-till-you-snort hilarious, Moldovan is flawless as the entitled Broadway star, Lofgren is fabulous and funny and Patterson is aggravating and endearing—no mean feat.

Of course it wouldn’t be a prom without a high school, a principal, the PTA and the students… and at the core of this show are two very special teenagers, played by two very special actors, MK McDonald (Emma) and Sophia-Bella Carrasquillo (Alyssa). The plot revolves around Emma’s story—that of a girl who likes girls, and who just wants to take her girl to the prom. And the havoc that notion wreaks. 

McDonald brings a beautifully trained voice and strong acting chops to the prom, ably matched with a sympathetic performance by Carrasquillo, whose character is weighed down by her mother (the effectively hateful Erin Crosby). As played by Brian Kim McCormick, the role of Principal Hawkins is pleasant enough, since he is given the difficult task of being both a voice of reason for the school as well as a love interest for the leading lady, while Mark Swift is fun as the I’m-not-sure-why-he’s there Sheldon.

As for the kids—this year’s Resident Company (ResCo) is made up of singing, dancing stars-in-the making and the prom features a few who get a moment or three to shine, including mean girls Lauren Taylor and Janiyah McCallister, and their equally cruel cohorts Nic Rhew and Campy Rodriguez. 

As thoughtfully directed by Roque Barlanga,  the entire cast and ensemble are spot-on, the “promsemble” (a crew of local teens fleshing out the big numbers) is great fun to watch, and the entire production is enhanced by Steven Velasquez’ seamlessly crafted set, music director Erik Wakar’s skilled guidance, a sumptuous, colorfully lit stage designed by Wheeler Moon and a dazzling array of costumes designed by Kyle Artone. 

You’ve never been to a prom quite like this one and I promise you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll have a great time doing it. So grab yourself a date and prepare to be entertained. It might even make you think, and isn’t that what going to school is all about?

Did you go to yours? Did you have a good time? Did anyone say that you couldn’t? No? Well, how would that have made you feel? I can tell you one thing—if you go to “The Prom” that is currently playing on stage at the Forestburgh Playhouse, you will feel really, really good.

For tickets and information, go to www.fbplayhouse.org or call 845/794-1194.