On May 21st and 22nd, at 7 p.m., the AHS auditorium will transform into a stage for Broadway Desserts, the annual concerts that caps off the school year with energy, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia. 

For months, students have been pouring their hearts into selecting music, perfecting choreography, and rehearsing relentlessly. All this was in preparation for auditions that determined who made it into the final performance. 

This year a panel of three judges evaluated acts, deciding which performers would take the stage to deliver a show stopping finale.

“For prepping, we had to pick our songs and choreo because when we auditioned we had to be performance ready. I’m really excited about Broadway Desserts because I really like performing but I haven’t had a chance to since middle school,” freshman Rachel Bauer said.  

What sets Broadway desserts apart from other school performances is its unique blend of individual passion and collaborative artistry. For choir students it’s more than just a concert, it’s a chance to share their love for music through carefully crafted productions.

 Group acts, in particular, require students to teach choreography to their peers fostering leadership patients and teamwork senior Ava Weldemarian describes her approach to creating dance routines:

“I prepare choreography by looking at other versions of choreography for the song I want to dance to. I use it as a reference and then try to add my own personality to it,” Weldemarian said. This process not only highlights artistic expression but also builds essential life skills.

For Patrick Vaughn, the choir teacher and director of Broadway Desserts , the event is a celebration of everything his students have accomplished throughout the year, “Broadway Desserts is a culmination of everything we’ve done throughout the year, but it is completely different from any other concert,” he said. “All of this show is Broadway music, music from musical theatre. It makes it fun for the kids, they get to pick the music and the choreography to put on a great show for the end of the year.” Vaughn’s perspective underscores the event as a creative outlet. 

Beyond the stage, Broadway Desserts leaves a lasting impact on its participants, lingering after the final bow. 

“My favorite memory of Broadway Desserts is creating the choreography and just interacting with people while performing,” junior Kaira Campos said. “This is my third year and every single year I always like the atmosphere. It’s really exciting and people are graduating so it’s just like a core memory for me.” 

The concert marks not only the end of a school year but transitions as well, whether that is moving onto summer break or graduation. 

The tradition of Broadway desserts also marks a sense of continuity, with many students returning to choir year after year. Sophomore Marcello Canniff, who will be participating in this event for the fourth time this year, spoke about the joy of welcoming others into the experience.

 “I think my favorite part about doing Broadway Desserts is hosting the middle school pyramid schools, Holmes and Poe,” he said. “Inviting the feeder schools into the performance is a great way to get Middle School students excited about the High School choir experience at Annandale,” Canniff said.

 His involvement highlights how the event is both a fun tradition for returning students and an inspiration for those beginning their high school journey. 

This year’s lineup promises to be unforgettable, with standout acts that showcase the talent and dedication of the choir. Senior Harper Chapman shared her excitement about one of her performances. “My favorite act I’m in is Lina and I’s duet, ‘All That Jazz’ from Chicago, because as a soprano I can never sing low, and now I get to,” she said. “Lina and I have wanted a duet for a long time.” Her enthusiasm is a testament to friendship strengthened through Broadway Desserts, where practice time can also function as a meet up. 

As the curtains rise on May 21st and 22nd, Broadway Desserts will once again prove why it’s more than just a school concert, it’s a celebration of hard work, creativity, and friendship. Don’t miss the chance to remember one of the highlights of the year! 

“I really like Broadway Desserts because a lot of the music is usually from shows I’ve seen or that I like. It just looks like a good time,” senior Marissa Caceres said.