San Diego City College Dramatic Arts Department’s latest spring production “The Prom” will open at the Saville Theater on Apr. 19.

According to the director Katie Rodda, the musical blends themes of love and acceptance while encouraging viewers to stand up for what they believe in.

Set in 2010, the musical follows four struggling Broadway stars trying to keep their careers alive.

The group hears about Indiana high school student Emma Nolan, whose school cancels prom when they learn she plans to bring her girlfriend. To get back in the spotlight, the actors rally alongside Emma to give her the prom she deserves.

Can’t access the video? To watch the video above, click here. To read a transcript, click here.

The lead role will be played by Isabella Fernandes, an actress of 11 years with a passion for the theater community.

Despite facing challenges along the way, including contracting COVID-19 during callbacks, Fernandes said she’s excited to be a part of the production. 

“This story is so meaningful and so relevant to today,” she said. “I’m just so grateful that I get to be a part of telling that story.”

The actress said she’s known about the show since it came out on Broadway. 

“I’ve always loved the show,” she said. “I’ve loved the music. I’ve loved the story it tells.”

Fernandes’ lived experience brings authenticity to her performance as Nolan.

“I (have) always related to the character that I play because she’s a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and she is so confident and vocal about it,” she said.

Rodda highlighted the importance of representation on stage.

“I think it’s terrific to give students the opportunity to see themselves on stage,” she said. “It’s a play that celebrates love in all of its forms. There is a same-sex couple, there is an opposite-sex couple.” 

The production will include a 10-person orchestra and a cast of 20 actors. Some will change costumes eight or nine times, according to Rodda.

 “It is a really big show,” she said.

Rodda believes the show has the potential to be a learning opportunity, despite its joyful and fun nature.

“It’s a way for (the audience) to recognize that queer relationships are, in many ways, just like non-queer relationships, and to see that it’s really not that big a deal,” she said.

“The Prom” will be running from Apr. 19-27. Tickets are available on the City College’s Theatre website here.