Spring Hill School of Hope to host dinner theatre!
Photo information: Photos taken at previous dinner theatres, with themes ranging from The Wild West to Mystery Mansion to Twilight Zone.
With a little attention, just about anything will grow.
That’s true whether you are talking about gardening, or…dinner theatre?
Sean Kallner of the Springhill School of Hope says that is exactly what has happened with the school’s annual Dinner Theatre Fundraiser.
“This is actually our fifth year doing dinner theatre, and it has progressed so much!” he explained excitedly.
“The first year it was really just a few people reading a script. Now it has turned into a full length play production with lights, sound, costumes and props. We’ve come a long way,” added Kallner.
This year’s event is May 28, 29, and 30. On Thursday and Friday, appetizers will be served from 6:30 to 7 p.m., with the show to start at 7. On Saturday evening, the appetizers will be served 5:30 to 6 p.m., with the show to start at 6.
Originally, the event was for one night only. Now it has expanded to three nights, and the demand for tickets has also increased.
“We are still limited in our seating, which is good because it keeps it more personal,” said Kallner.
The project started out as just a fundraiser, but now it has developed into a drama program that is part of the school’s curriculum.
“We typically do the dinner theatre and one other major production each year, along with smaller skits in our annual talent show,” explained Kallner.
Tickets for this year’s dinner theatre production are just $13 for adults, and $10 for children 12 and under. The ticket price includes not only the performance, but appetizers, a main course consisting of fried chicken or ham, and sides, along with dessert and beverages. Tickets can be purchased by calling the School of Hope at 857-2034.
Throughout the meal, patrons are entertained by the stage production.
“Our cast is completely comprised of our students. Our director is Leonard Gladden, and they have just done a fabulous job,” offered Kallner.
The production, entitled “Mama Won’t Fly”, is basically about how the best laid plans do not always come to fruition.
“It is a great story,” said Kallner. “It’s very funny.”
Basically the story is about a 40-something entrepfreneur, Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honneycutt, who agrees to take her feisty southern mother to Alabama from California for a family wedding.
The problem is, Mama refuses to fly. So they’ve got four days to make it to Alabama via a vintage sedan.
“As you can imagine,” smiles Kallner, “the trip does not go as planned.”
But the underlying message is the importance of family, and that sometimes relationships grow more under adverse circumstances than they would if life always went smoothly.
Kallner invites everyone to come to the event.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun, some great food, and a fantastic time to visit with friends and neighbors and to see a little of what our school does,” said Kallner.
He reminds, don’t put off getting tickets.
“We think the ticket will sell very quickly this year,” concluded Kallner. “Don’t miss out!”
School of Hope is located on BB Highway, four miles past Fairdealing. Coming from Poplar Bluff, turn right on BB, and the school is a half mile down the road on the right.