The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany High School Choir is gearing up for its upcoming dinner theater titled “Phantom,” featuring excerpts from “The Phantom of the Opera.” The performances will be held March 13-14 at the Family Life Center.
The dinner theater is a yearly project that students are responsible for planning, creating and executing. Choir director Amanda Sprouse told the Virginian Review that the production is entirely student-led.
“This is a 100% student project,” Sprouse said. “As a teacher it’s scary to give up total control, but they have far better ideas than I do.”
During interviews with several students, they explained that one of the biggest differences between a dinner theater and a traditional concert is the food. Guests will be served a full meal during the performance. The adult menu features an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a drink. There will also be a kids and snack menu available.
Students added that the food is served by members of the cast, allowing them to interact directly with those in attendance.
When asked why this year’s production focuses on “Phantom,” students said the musical remains widely popular and is no longer on Broadway. There was also mention that “older theater kids”—certainly not referring to the writer or the choir director—would recognize it.
The production also presents new challenges compared to last year’s dinner theater performance of “Alice in Wonderland.” Kenny Sprouse said that musically, “Phantom” is much more difficult.
Scenes such as “Masquerade” are fast paced and require a combination of singing and acting throughout the number.
To close out the interview, Amanda Sprouse reflected on the fact that this will be her final dinner theater as a teacher. Sprouse is retiring at the end of the school year.
When asked if she plans to remain involved with the school and the community, Sprouse made it clear she is not going far.
“I’m not dying. I’m not moving away,” Sprouse said. “I’m still going to be in the community and I’m still going to be a musician. Even though I won’t be at the school daily, I still want to be part of the arts community, and that’s always going to be a part of what I do.”
Ticket prices range from $80-20 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available from any AHS choir family, emailing amanda.sprouse@ahps.k12.va.us or calling 540-968-0963.
