Some say that going to prom is more than a high school tradition; it’s a rite of passage– an invaluable life experience that, if missed, could have serious detrimental consequences on one’s life.  Fortunately if this is true, New Yorkers who missed or opted not to attend their proms aren’t doomed to lead lives of regret and disappointment.  Every weekend, Webster Hall hosts a prom of its own– Just like the high school kind, only this time there’s no curfew.

Part party and part improv show, the Awesome ’80s Prom is a kitschy-fun recreation of a high school prom, complete with cheesy decorations and an elected king and queen, and set in the decade of excess for added hilarity.  Professional actors portray high school archetypes (i.e.- the Nerd, the Cheerleader, the Rebel), who play out their special night while navigating prom drama.   Love connections are made, fights break out, and the audience/prom attendees –decked out in their ’80s best– become entangled in the plot as they dance to tunes by Cindy Lauper and Madonna.  At the end of the 2-hour party (said to include a surprise appearance by a “superstar” of the decade), a prom king and queen are chosen from the audience based on an actual vote by prom attendees.

To make things even more interesting, the event is all-ages, attracting everyone from sweet 16 parties to couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries.  The Awesome ’80s Prom even offers bachelorette party packages, which include special perks for the bride (a dance with the captain of the football team, perhaps?).

Children of the ’80s will appreciate the nods to John Hughes movies, like “16 Candles,” and the ’80s munchies, like Pop Rocks.   Meanwhile, prom-missers will appreciate the second chance at experiencing one of the most important events of their lives: their high school prom.