Dinner, a show and 80s music on menu for ‘Rock of Ages Teen Edition’ Production

By Sarah Stephens

Elmore Autauga News

Do you remember cassette tapes in your vehicle, blaring your favorite rock tunes as you cruised downtown. Or, perhaps you are younger, but you have come to appreciate the music of the late 1980s. You might want to pay attention to this upcoming event.

The Stanhope Elmore High Mustang Players and FCCLA/FCS are preparing for a huge production involving over 100 students March 13-15 beginning each night at 6:30 p.m. It is called “Rock of Ages Teen Edition” and will feature some blasts from the past, as well as a three-course dinner. It will be held at Stanhope Elmore High School in the old gymnasium, and tickets are available now at Gofan.co. Once there, search for events for Stanhope Elmore High School and purchase your tickets in advance.

If you would like to help by becoming a sponsor or donor, fill out this form and return to school with payment. file:///C:/Users/13343/Downloads/Dinner%20Theatre%202025%20Sponsorship%20Commitment.pdf

This production is a primary fundraiser that will benefit theatre students, as well FCCLA and FCS.

The EAN sat down with Principal Ewell Fuller, Theatre Director Brady Walker and the sponsor for the FCCLA/FCS Michelle McCauley to talk about the upcoming performance, the tremendous support they have received from the business community, and the impact theatre has on students.

It is taking a huge team of students, including those who are preparing the dinner and desserts, the stage, the props, costumes, lighting, sound and so much more. Students from Millbrook Middle are also part of this huge endeavor.

McCauley called this a chance for “an all-inclusive, great date night!” Aside from live theatre, the night includes a three-course meal, created by students.

Principal Fuller said he is so proud of this team effort, saying to watch behind the scenes, and then the final product is an amazing experience. The Theatre department, contributing programs and community support has “grown legs.”

By involving more students and parents, it serves as a feeder program as the students rise in grade, experience, and take part in productions, on whatever level.

Walker said sponsorships are extremely important, and area businesses have already sponsored both the school’s theatre, as well as specifically to dinner theatre.

“I want as much community buy in for the school and programs as possible,” Fuller said. “Right now, we have 55 businesses partners at this school. I want it to expand.”

We will be running more information on this event, and will include the full list of sponsors.

Fuller said he wanted to absolutely thank Marty Bean, with Front Porch Grill, who is constantly asking what he can do to help in multiple areas of the school. “Marty is the man, let me tell you!”

Walker said he thinks it is so important that this production, and others, is inviting students from all schools to take part. There is an opportunity for most students to participate in all aspects of the show, from technical work, performing or other preparation.

“It has really grown so much,” Walker said. McCauley said that the experience this gives the students is hard to explain, but it is all positive on multiple levels.

“With this, you see both art forms, culinary and the actual production. They get to create and take pride in what they create. This includes the food, the centerpieces, on the stage. You see them really shine.”

Fuller said one of the best things he has seen with students working with the theatre is the passion that keeps them excited about what is next. It helps them to find what they want to pursue in their future careers. It teaches them they have talents they may never have imagines, and gives them an opportunity to shine.

“There are so many facets to their productions, with so many students able to learn different things that they can carry on throughout their careers and life,” Fuller said.

Fuller said if you walked into Walker’s room, it looks more like an Ag shop with everything being made and created.

So, remember you have three nights to take in the show. Tickets are on sale now, but make sure you reserve yours, as ticket sales close March 3. As you watch the production, keep in mind it isn’t just the actors on stage, but so many others who have worked so hard to present this entertainment and dinner.