SLHSMTA School Highlights: Belleville West High School
Nominated For Outstanding Musical Level 1
Written by 2025 SLHSMTA Student Reporter, Mary Corkery
Belleville West High School staged a bold, colorful story of acceptance with their spring musical The Prom: School Edition.
Showing their production on April 24, 25, and 27– with a pause so that the students could attend their own prom— the school brought a Broadway hit to a St. Louis area stage. However, as director Nick Johnson noted, the original show has many roots in the area to begin with.
“One of the reasons The Prom: School Edition is so special is its deep connection to St. Louis and the Metro-East. Chad Beguelin, who wrote the book and lyrics, is originally from Centralia, IL. Several key producers of the original Broadway production also have strong local ties: Jack Lane and Andrew Kuhlman of STAGES St. Louis, and Fox Theatricals, based in St. Louis. Even Belleville’s outgoing mayor, Patty Gregory, holds a producer credit under the name ‘Three Belles and a Bob,’” Johnson said.
Another member of the creative team reigning from St. Louis is Belleville East alumnus Joe Grady, whose brother teaches at Belleville West. Johnson said that Grady connected with the students and gave them an inside look to the original Broadway production.
“Joe graciously flew in from New York City to spend two days with our cast. He shared behind-the-scenes stories from the original production, gave thoughtful feedback on the students’ run-throughs, and even surprised the cast with a Zoom call featuring Caitlin Kinnunen, who originated the role of Emma on Broadway. I know this is an experience our cast will never forget,” Johnson said.
The musical is based off of a true story of a teenage girl who was barred from bringing her girlfriend as her date to the prom in 2010. Although The Prom’s retelling of the event is largely fictionalized, Johnson said that the central idea of discovery and acceptance that the musical echoes is realistic.
“But just like in real life, every character in this story is on a journey. With an Act II number titled ‘Love Thy Neighbor,’ the show clearly explores the path to acceptance—perhaps symbolized most powerfully by Mrs. Greene. Yet, The Prom also dives into the journeys of selflessness, forgiveness, responsibility, and even the emotional journey of coming home,” Johnson said.
A crucial element of the show is the openly queer storyline. For Johnson, it was important to bring that representation to the stage to support queer students despite the difficulties or homophobia they may face.
“Because here’s the truth: growing up, every gay kid heard—somewhere in the backdrop of life—that being gay was wrong, or ‘bad,’ or something even worse. Even if the words weren’t aimed directly at them, they heard it. Trust me. And they knew that their journey to being themselves was going to be bumpier than most. So tonight, I dedicate this show to those kids. To their allies. And to everyone who is walking their own path toward truth, love, and acceptance—I see you, and I salute you,” Johnson said.
Belleville West also had two students nominated for their individual work on the musical: Eric Pershbacher for Outstanding Supporting Actor and Caitlyn Jenkins for Outstanding Student Costume Design and Execution. Johnson said that the hard work of his students across the board was appreciated.
“The 40 cast members you see on stage tonight have poured their hearts, time, and creative energy into bringing this production to life. Many of them are even performing double duty, helping the tech crew move the impressive number of set pieces needed to create 16 distinct locations throughout the show. While we’re sad to say goodbye to 13 wonderful seniors, there’s something poetic about welcoming 13 freshmen into the cast—it’s a beautiful passing of the torch,” Johnson said.
During the SLHSMTA ceremony on May 15, the cast performed “Time to Dance” in the Outstanding Musical Level 1 medley.
