The dinner fundraiser idea was the brainstorm of musical director Kathy Overmyer and her mom.
“I guess that we thought it would be cool to have a little dinner before one of the shows. From that, my mom and I were talking and came up with having the characters come to the dinner in costume to meet and greet guests. Since Cinderella appeals to the younger kids, having them get to meet the characters seemed like a great idea,” said Overmyer who is also Bremen Schools Choir Director and also serves as the Maxinkuckee Players Musical Director in Culver.
The name, Royal Dinner, was chosen “to tie in with the musical-”Cinderella” while the menu for the dinner was chosen for ease of preparation and serving.
“We tried to find a menu that would be relatively easy to cook and that would appeal to all eaters. The result: chicken and noodles, mashed potatos, salad and dessert bar and a roll. Water and lemonade will also be available,” said Overmyer who said that the dinner will be “as a buffet in the Lion’s Den, the multi-purpose room by Gym A.”
This is the first-ever such dinner and a play event that the director thinks has been held at the school.
“To my knowledge, the drama/musical department has not done a fundraiser like this before,” she noted admitting “I have never planned one myself, but have helped plan these kinds of dinners at other schools.”
Proceeds from the dinner will be used as a fundraiser for the drama/musical department said Overmyer which will help “with the cost of the show and to create a little cushion for next years show as well.”
Guests who come will enjoy being able to take their own pictures with some of the cast members who will be out and about greeting guests while some will be “acting” as royal chefs and waitresses. “Most of the cast will be out and about meeting people,” she said with the “leads mainly greeting guest, but other members — supporting leads and chorus members — will be helping serve and clear tables during the night.”
“We certainly welcome anyone who wants to take a picture with any of our cast,” said the director, who pointed out that everyone will have time to get ready for their evening performance. “Most will be out of the dinner by 6:45 p.m.” she said
Tickets for the dinner are available from all cast, pit and crew members and at the school.
“The best thing about this event is that it is another opportunity for students to act as well as give the community an easy night of entertainment. Community members can come and get dinner and then head to the show!” said Overmyer excitedly.
Show times for “Cind-erella” will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Bremen High School auditorium.
Cast members include: Kyle Anderson, Mitch Andrews, Chelsea Anglin, Aly Bartholomew, Jacob Box, Shelby Dirrim, Patrick Donaghey, Stacy Escalante, Andy Lafree, Ryan McCreary, Andrea Salazar, Cody Sears, Taylor Sears, Christina Talley, Sarah Talley, Rachelle Tatich, Paige Weldy and Eric Zeltwanger.
The chorus includes: Mitch Andrews, Chelsea Anglin, Aly Bartholomew, Jacob Box, Wes Burkholder, Abby Camp-bell, Tyler Coffel, Matt Doll, Patrick Donaghey, Brad Foster, Meiissa Heitzman, Amber Heitzman, Kerry Herman, Casey Hueni, Andy Lafree, Cristina Marquez, Laura Miller, Linda Monter-rosa, Holly Prawat, Alyssa Richards, Andrea Salazar, Shannon Sickelka, Amy Siefer, Palge Weldy, Bailey Williams and Josie Wise.