![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
On Feb. 28, Rock Ridge Performing Arts (RRPA) held its annual Broadway Desserts event, where students performed musical theater selections while attendees enjoyed unlimited desserts. The event took place in the cafeteria and served as a fundraiser for the program.
For a $12 entry fee, guests received unlimited access to a variety of desserts and drinks, from cupcakes to coffee. The event also included a silent auction, where attendees could bid on various items, like massages and self-care baskets. Proceeds from ticket sales and the auction contributed to funding future RRPA productions.
The event was hosted by juniors Palmer Jolly, Ronald Hodge, and Ryan Hart. Throughout the evening, students performed musical numbers from well-known Broadway productions. The performances were split into two acts with an intermission. Act I, opened by senior Kailyn Fetterman with “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret,” featured songs like “A Little Bit of You” from “Frozen,” “Agony” from “Into the Woods,” and “Don’t Lose Your Head” from “SIX.” The performances featured solo and group acts, highlighting the students’ vocal abilities and theatrical experience. The event provided an opportunity for performers to showcase their talent in a cabaret-style setting while engaging the audience.
Broadway Desserts is an annual tradition for RRPA, offering a way to raise money while allowing students to gain stage experience outside of full-scale productions. The event attracted a mix of family members, friends, and community supporters. “We start talking about Broadway Desserts at the beginning of each year just to have the date and concept in our minds while we [prepare] different pieces for festivals [and shows],” senior Kaylie Rivers said. “[It helps us] create a decent sized list of performance options for when we finally reach the day.”
The largest performance of the night was “Welcome to the Rock” from “Come From Away,” performed by junior Andrés Marrero, senior Charisse Rose Caparros, juniors Derrick Forney, Ella Diawatan, GraceMonét Carper, senior Hannah Tyson, juniors Marian Lindsey, Reagan Sutton, RJ Richardson, and senior Annabelle Monte. “We chose to perform this song because we had already [done it] this past January, but also because it illustrates a strong sense of community,” senior Charisse Rose Capparos said.
They opened Act II on a strong note, and the night continued with high energy. “Apex Predator” from “Mean Girls,” “All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera,” “I Could Talk to You All Night” from “The Outsiders,” and by the time “My Green Light” from “The Great Gatsby” closed out the night, the room was electric. The final performances capped off the evening with a powerful and energetic finale.
