The Winthrop High School Drama Society will be hosting its annual Dinner Theater performance this year, coming up soon. Unfortunately this year it will not be able to be held at Prince Pizzeria because of the pandemic. It will now be at the Shapiro Center of the Performing Arts and the dates to see this show are February 8th and 9th. Tickets are going to be for purchase at the door for $15. Dinner Theater features Winthrop High’s most talented singers and dancers, singing a variety of songs. We caught up with choreographer Jamie Montesano, as well as Dan Tracy and Jenny Delehanty to ask them what they are excited about for this year’s show. 

We caught up first with Daniel Tracy, who is a senior this year: 

Zoe/Christian: What is your favorite song in the show?

Dan: My favorite song in the show is probably Rewrite the Stars, which is the title and also a song I get to sing which is super fun. 

Z/C:What is your favorite dance in the show?

D: My favorite dance in the show is definitely our dance to Starships by Nicki Minaj.

Z/C: Which number are you most excited for the audience to see?

D: Starships is going to be so fun so I am excited for the audience to see it. 

Z/C: How has the rehearsal process been so far?

D:  The rehearsal process has been super fun. 

Z/C: How does it feel making a return to this show after two years away? 

D: Well, last year there was a smaller production with just Juniors and Seniors which I was in which was fun but this show is definitely more fun so I’m really excited for it. 

Z/C:Why do you think people should come to Dinner(less) Theater? 

D: People should come to Dinner(less) Theater because it’s going to be such a fun show and we’ve been working so hard to put it all together for everyone! 

We then caught up with another cast member, Jenny Delehanty, who is a junior this year: 

Zoe/Christian: What is your favorite song in the show?

Jenny: My favorite song in the show is definitely Halley’s Comet. I’m a little biased because I love Billie Eilish so automatically I knew all the lyrics to the song before Dinner(less) Theater even started. I’m not even in the number but I love listening to it. 

Z/C:What is your favorite dance in the show?

J:  My favorite dance in the show is to Starlight by Taylor Swift. Out of the 6 dances I’m in, Starlight is the most fun to perform and it’s one of the dancy-er numbers. It’s pretty fast paced and there’s some partner work which is fun. 

Z/C: Which number are you most excited for the audience to see?

J: I’m most excited for the audience to see Starships. It is a really fun number for everyone because it is such a well known song. The dance is really upbeat and hypes up the audience, and it’s kind of funny to hear how we have had to change the lyrics to become more appropriate. 

Z/C: How has the rehearsal process been so far?

J: The rehearsal process has been fun but a lot of work. The hardest part is actually getting into the building because the doors are always locked, and it takes up alot of rehearsal time to move the desks in the Alternative PE room. Other than that, I really enjoy learning the dances and the music rehearsals flow very well. 

Z/C: How does it feel making a return to this show after two years? 

J: I’m really excited because Dinner Theater was one of my favorite shows ever since freshman year, but it’s definitely upsetting that so much about it is changing temporarily this year. I think that all of us are a little sad that we can’t go to Princes Pizzeria to perform this year, but it is going to be tons of fun regardless. 

Z/C:Why did you think people should come to Dinner(less) Theater? 

J:I think people should come to Dinner(less) Theater this year because it is going to be a more casual and easygoing show compared to others that the Drama Society performs. It is a really lighthearted show and it is definitely different from our traditional performances, such as musicals and plays. We hope to see everyone there! 

Lastly we spoke to the organizer and choreographer of this show, Jaime Montesano: 

Zoe/Christian: What is your favorite song in the show?

Jaime Montesano: I think my favorite song in the show changes all the time but right now it is probably When The Stars Go Blue. This is because it involves a lot of people in the cast, the harmonies are amazing, everyone performs it very well, and I just thoroughly enjoy the song. 

Z/C:What is your favorite dance in the show?

J.M.: My favorite dance in the show right now is probably Rewrite The Stars because I’m obsessed with the song. It also gave me an opportunity to choreograph a different style of dance because it is a slower song, making the dance a bit more technical.  

Z/C: Which number are you most excited for the audience to see?

J.M.: I’m very excited for the audience to see Swinging On A Star.  It’s an old school song that I think they enjoyed. Declan and Chris do a really good job at giving it the vintage style it needs. 

Z/C: How has the rehearsal process been so far?

J.M.: It’s going incredibly well. Everyone is very positive, kind to one another, and supportive. People learn very quickly so it’s productive. Overall, it’s a generally nice group of people so it’s always a good experience. 

Z/C: How does it feel making a return to this show after two years? 

J.M.: I am beyond excited because it has been a super hard two years. I was able to do all four years of Dinner Theater when I was in high school, so I can’t imagine being a student now and having those certain special moments being taken away from you. Therefore, I am mostly excited for the students more so than myself, to be able to perform. No matter the venue, to be able to sing, dance, and perform to a full audience with this different type of show is very exciting after two years away. 

Z/C:Why did you think people should come to Dinner(less) Theater? 

J.M.: People should come to Dinner(less) Theater for a few reasons. First being that the cast is super talented, so the audience will definitely be amazed by the amount of people that can sing and dance really well. Everyone is very professional, making it not feel like as much of a high school performance. Lastly, it is a fundraiser so any of the proceeds will go to helping the Winthrop High School Drama Society with their fest play. We also need some applause because everyone has been working really hard. 

Obviously the cast of this production has been working incredibly hard to put together a spectacular show for you! There are so many different types of numbers for you to see, and it would mean the world to the entire cast if you showed up in support of the Winthrop High School Drama Society. Thank you for reading. We hope to see you there supporting the talented artists at our school!