Here is a scene from Lake Superior Theatre’s production of “The Prom.” (Photo courtesy of Lake Superior Theatre)

MARQUETTE — Love wins again at “The Prom,” now playing at the Lake Superior Theatre boathouse.

This hit musical comedy follows four eccentric Broadway stars in desperate need of a new stage and some “good PR.”

When controversy around a small-town prom in Indiana starts trending on social media, this band of unlikely do-gooders decides it’s their time to shine a spotlight on the issue — and themselves.

Playing the domineering diva Dee Dee Allen, Allyse Belanger commands the stage from the start. Belanger’s vocal prowess is well suited for the egotistical Dee Dee and her comedic chops help make Dee Dee’s narcissistic tendencies endearing. As Barry Glickman (Dee Dee’s self-involved counterpart), Tony Beacco commands the stage.

Beacco’s performance blends over-the-top physicality with effortless vocals to the audience’s delight. Complimenting Belanger and Beacco’s dynamic duo are local actors Jill Vermeulen and Quinn Skelly as the jaded “Fosse” girl, Angie Dickinson and the Julliard graduate, Trent Oliver. Vermeulen and Skelly are always fun on stage and their performances here are no different. Together, all four steal the spotlight while never stealing focus from the story.

At the heart of the show is Emma Nolan, the teen at the center of the prom controversy. Dani Belanger’s clear voice and sincere delivery as Emma brings gravity to this otherwise zany show. Playing Emma’s closeted girlfriend, Alyssa Greene, Tiffany Ridolphi shines bright in her solo number “Alyssa Greene.” However, it is Belanger’s lead vocals in the song “Unruly Heart” that bring the show to a beautiful conclusion.

Other standout performances include Craig Grabarcyk as the exhausted and star-struck principal Mr. Hawkins; Isabel Francis as the no-frills publicist Shelly Saperstein; Sophia Balzarini and Rachel Hay as the agitators turned allies, Kaylee and Shelby; and attention must be paid to veteran performer Tina Sundquist as the closed-minded PTA president, Mrs. Greene.

Kudos to the entire ensemble and artistic team for their shiny production. Particular praise to Petra Frazier’s sparkly costume design and Vic Holiday’s simple, but effective set and lighting design. With Leslie Parkkonen in the director’s seat and with the creative collaboration of Tony Beacco’s music direction and Allyse Belanger’s choreography, The Prom leaves the audience toe-tapping and twitter-pated.

It’s been said of musical theater that if you want to communicate a message to the masses, you should “cover it in sequins and make it sing” and this production of “The Prom” is the embodiment of just that. While some may be offended by the celebration of LGBTQIA+ love stories, in the end, prom is for everyone.

The remaining performances of Lake Superior Theatre’s production of “The Prom” are Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are available at tickets.nmu.edu or at the door before each performance.

Tickets are $15 with discounts available for students, senior citizens, and groups.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Becky Heldt is the executive director and producer of Superior Arts Youth Theater.