Just as high school students are getting ready to attend their spring ritual, the Birmingham Village Players are presenting “The Prom” — a musical with a message.

“Now is an especially important time to share the message of love and inclusivity that ‘The Prom’ offers,” says Greg Ruvolo, 51, of Lathrup Village, president of the Board of Directors at Birmingham Village Players. “In a world marked by division and uncertainty, the need for acceptance and understanding has never been more crucial. ‘The Prom’ serves as a beacon of hope, reminding audiences of the power of empathy and unity in overcoming differences. By presenting this message now, we hope to inspire positive change and foster a more compassionate society.”

Ruvolo says the Birmingham Village Players were attracted to “The Prom” for a variety of reasons. While the message was one of them, it goes beyond that.

“We were drawn to present ‘The Prom’ at Birmingham Village Players because of its dynamic story and uplifting message,” he says. “The show’s blend of humor, heart and catchy tunes offers audiences a memorable live stage experience. Additionally, its themes of acceptance and inclusivity resonate deeply with the community, making it a perfect fit for our stage.”

The show’s story follows Emma, a high school student who dreams of taking her girlfriend to their senior prom. The PTA says no, but four Broadway has-beens see a PR opportunity and travel to Emma’s small Indiana town to teach everyone a loving lesson.

“‘The Prom’ storyline is captivating because it seamlessly intertwines personal growth with societal change,” Ruvolo says. “Emma’s journey to assert her identity and fight for her right to love who she chooses resonates with audiences on a deeply emotional level. The arrival of the Broadway has-beens injects humor and heart into the narrative, while also shining a light on the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the storyline’s message of tolerance and selflessness serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of empathy and acceptance.”

Ruvolo said he loves “being able to witness the magic of live theater and see the transformative impact it has on both performers and audience members.”

“Being involved in such a vibrant and creative community gives me great pride in wearing our logo,” he says. “From the excitement of bringing a new production to life to the pride of seeing our talented performers take the stage, each aspect of the journey is incredibly rewarding.”

When it comes to “The Prom,” Ruvolo said he’s most excited to see audience members enjoy the “infectious energy and heartwarming story” of the show.

“From the catchy musical numbers to the hilarious antics of the Broadway has-beens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this uplifting production,” he says. “But beyond the entertainment value, I’m eager for audiences to connect with the show’s powerful message of love, acceptance and standing up for what’s right. I believe ‘The Prom’ has the power to inspire empathy, spark important conversations and remind us all of the transformative impact of kindness and inclusivity.”

The show runs through May 19 at 34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham. For more information, visit birminghamvillageplayers.com.