As snow falls marking the return of winter, it brings CoffeeHouse, a beloved Peters Township High School tradition that started in 1999. The annual variety show features a number of acts, such as bands, soloists, and dancers. During the show, the audience is served a full dinner and show experience by student volunteers. The show is defined by its unique and creative themes, with past years including The Eras Pour, Mojo Dojo CoffeeHouse, Lord of the Mugs, and Espresso Patronum.
Spanish teacher, Ms.Wilmus, is responsible for making CoffeeHouse happen. Originally, the event started as a fundraiser for future thespian productions such as the musical and spring play, but it took off and gained enormous popularity. CoffeeHouse is unlike any other theater production at the high school level. While it is a huge part of school culture with almost all shows selling out, the event serves as way to introduce new students to Thespian Troupe 185 as CoffeeHouse is the first school function that allows talented musicians, singers, dancers, and bands a chance to perform together.
One of the most memorable parts of CoffeeHouse is the on-stage talent showcased throughout the show. Senior Chloe Swellie, the lead vocalist, of past bands And the Sauce! and The Batmen said, “It’s an honor to be given this opportunity to perform for so many people by our awesome director, Ms. Wilmus. I’m really grateful to have CoffeeHouse as a part of my life each year.”
Hosts are another big part of CoffeeHouse. They are responsible for introducing acts, performing quick one to two minute sketches while performers set up, and encouraging patrons to buy from the kitchen. This year, there are three senior hosts, Bree and Belle Lipinski as well as Zac Meyers. They will be performing an 80s routine that they wrote themselves.
A show like CoffeeHouse wouldn’t be possible without student help from behind the scenes. Some of the most important support comes from student tech leaders who make sure the show runs both smoothly and efficiently.
Senior Zaayed Sayyed stated, “The head of tech is essentially a student leader responsible for overseeing both the audio and lighting equipment used during CoffeeHouse. It’s been a really influential experience — I’ve had to improvise on the fly, make quick decisions, and solve problems as they come. In the end, though, it’s all worth it because of how thrilling and challenging the role is.”
Aside from student tech leaders, CoffeeHouse also relies heavily on the student house managers, one of which is Kole Martin, who directs the student servers.
“I am in charge of decorating the cafeteria, mapping out servers’ jobs, and then putting the entire cafeteria together for CoffeeHouse nights,” Martin commented, “It feels great to have such a big role in CoffeeHouse.”
Traditions are an essential component of CoffeeHouse. The senior skit and senior song are two highly anticipated annual acts that highlight the current senior class. At CoffeeHouse, the seniors involved in acts or tech perform a skit they wrote, and then on the final night of CoffeeHouse they perform a song together. Previous songs have included “For Good” from Wicked, “Work This Out from High School Musical 2”, “Seasons of Love” from Rent, as well as a rendition of “Carol of the Bells” performed entirely through cat meows.
“The senior skit started by accident one year where all of the seniors decided to write a skit and it was such a hit that each subsequent graduating class decided to try to outdo the year before and thus the senior skit was born,” Director Ms. Wilmus explained.
One final CoffeeHouse tradition is the bottomless mug, a cup that offers free refills for the night purchased. The design also changes each year, making it a new experience each time.
“The Bottomless Mug became a thing because of the way that the hosts have to constantly plug it. Their campy and over the top intros try to coerce the audience to purchase a Bottomless Mug throughout the show.” Wilmus said. “Last year on the 25th anniversary, the mug sold out so quickly that we didn’t have enough for closing night. Who doesn’t want free refills of their favorite hot or cold beverage all for the low low price of $10? Buy your Bottomless Mug today!”
This year’s CoffeeHouse is going to be a blast from the past, with its theme Totally Brewed in the 80s. A few of the acts that will be performing this year include returning band And the Sauce! With “Still Into You,” Talia Lozar dancing to “Totally 80s,” and Jude Glover performing a vocal and guitar solo to “Melissa.” The show is projected to sell out every seat, with ticket sales online being $5 and in person tickets costing $10. If you don’t want to miss out on this totally tubular night of awesomeness, and you want to support PTHS while you’re at it, be sure to get tickets online in advance. Party on, dudes!
