Salisbury High School Theatre will present the spring musical, “The Prom” 7 p.m. March 12-14 and 2 p.m. March 15 in the school auditorium.

The uplifting musical comedy tells the story of a small-town high school student who simply wants to attend prom with her girlfriend. When the school cancels the dance due to controversy, a group of eccentric Broadway stars travel to the town hoping to help and maybe improve their own public image. Along the way, the students and celebrities learn powerful lessons about acceptance, courage and standing up for what’s right. The show blends heartfelt moments with energetic dancing, big musical numbers and plenty of comedy.

The musical is directed by Shannon Barry O’Grady.

O’Grady chose “The Prom” because of both its humor and its message.

“This show is amazing because it is hilarious while having a terrific message,” O’Grady said. “I also knew it was perfect for the veteran theater juniors and seniors.”

O’Grady is especially excited for audiences to experience every element of the production.

“Everything! The comedy, the singing, the dancing – it’s all awesome,” O’Grady said.

The story is inspired by a real-life event that occurred in Mississippi about 15 years ago when a student wanted to take her girlfriend to prom but the dance was canceled due to backlash. Community members and celebrities later rallied together to create an inclusive prom for everyone. In the musical version, a group of Broadway performers step in to help support the student and her classmates.

The cast brings its own creativity to the roles, with each actor adding their own interpretation to the characters.

“We always try to put a unique spin on our interpretations,” O’Grady said.

Members of the cast include Anthony Jarjous as Barry Glickman, Soledad Lausch as Dee Dee Allen, Sophia Brancato as Emma Nolan, Olivia Cudd as Angie Dickinson, Hope Spellacy as Alyssa Greene, Edward Ballek as Trent Oliver, Michael McWhorter as Sheldon, Anthony Sacco as Mr. Hawkins, Graclyn Williams as Mrs. Greene, Bella Tavares as Kaylee, Gabriela Hernandez as Shelby, Elijah Richetti as Kevin, Rafael Carpo as Nick, Kamryn Kaough as Olivia Keatin/Student/Reporter and Jude Johnson as Student/Motel Clerk/Reporter.

Music direction/conducting is by Julia Urich, set design by O’Grady and Chris West, set execution by West and the crew, lighting design by Henry Ingles, choreography by Olivia Cudd and O’Grady, costume design and graphic design by Anthony Jarjous, assistant director is Michael McWhorter, light board operator is Ryan Carpo, state manager/sound operator is Carly Cline and the “pit” musicians are Lucille Kincaid, Alan Babp, Beth McElroy, Mike Lorenz and Ryan Harrington.

The build/paint crew includes Max Beck, Beatrice Carag, Kaylee Carpenter, Kayla Dinh, Olivia Cudd, Gaby Hernandez, Anthony Jarjous, Jude Johnson, Payton Kao, Kacie Kaough, Kamryn Kaough, Wyatt King, Sia Lausch, Soledad Lausch, Gianna Olds, Michael McWhorter, Aleyka Ramos Acevedo, Elijah Richetti, Amaris Ruiz, Anthony Sacco, Naomi Smith, Hope Spellacy, Annabella Tavares, Brock Trenge, Sarah Vaughn, Colton Wasilewski and Graclyn Williams.

The Salisbury Theatre Department looks forward to welcoming the community to the show. “The Prom” promises an entertaining night of comedy, music and heart.