Ladue Theatre performed “The Prom: School Edition” for the spring musical in the Performing Arts Center Feb. 20-22. The musical’s plot follows four Broadway stars who travel to a small Indiana town to advocate for lesbian student Emma Nolan after her school cancels prom when she plans to bring her girlfriend. Nolan, played by Amelie Lock (10), challenged the school PTA’s rules that restricted her from attending the prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa Greene, who was not out.

Greene was played by Adaeze Loynd (11). Initially focused solely on boosting their public image, the struggling Broadway actors, including Dee Dee Allen, portrayed by Kate Sheley (12), eventually champion for a genuine cause by financing a new, inclusive prom. Nolan received widespread support from the local and online community, marking a shift from the once-prejudiced classmates who had bullied her. Greene’s conservative mother, played by Lily Crabtree (10), served as the head of the PTA and was reluctant to accept Alyssa coming out.

“The Prom” draws real-life inspiration from a 2010 controversy at a Mississippi high school, where a student planned to wear a tuxedo and bring her girlfriend but was subsequently banned by the school board, leading to an ACLU lawsuit. Rehearsing since late November, Ladue’s production featured about 75 members, including 15 pit orchestra musicians.

Loynd, who has been involved in theater for the past 13 years, including performances at the Muny, made her Ladue debut in this production. “During the Alyssa Greene song it ends in tears,” Loynd said. “It was hard getting to that place acting-wise and being able to get the tears flowing, but yeah, it was fun to play with that.”