Opened: December 4, 2020

Directed by: Ryan Murphy

Starring: Jo Ellen Pellman, Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, Kerry Washington, Kevin Chamberlin, Logan Riley, Sofia Deler, Nathaniel J. Potvin, Nico Greetham, Mary Kay Place & Tracey Ullman

In a year devoid of live theater, this adaptation of the 2018 stage musical is exactly what was needed: a story about tolerance and love with expertly choreographed numbers.

Four Broadway veterans need a revitalization in their careers. The perfect opportunity to make them relevant again comes when an Indiana prom is cancelled because Emma (Jo Ellen Pellman) wants to take her girlfriend Alyssa (Ariana DeBose) to the dance.

Director Ryan Murphy smartly brought the Broadway writing and choreography teams in to create the film. And except for James Corden who plays Barry stereotypically and can’t quite emotionally connect with him, Murphy picked the perfect cast, especially basically unknown leads Pellman and DeBose.

The romantic storyline as well as both girls’ hope for acceptance is an emotional rollercoaster that you’ll want to ride.

Final say: It’s time to dance. ★★★★☆