Hear ye! Hear ye! The second annual Royal Tea Party was held in Masson Auditorium at Allentown Central Catholic High School Jan. 18. This event began last year as a fundraiser for the musical theater department to help offset the costs involved in producing a musical. This year’s production is “Shrek: The Musical.” Parent volunteers coordinated the event and cast members served as hosts. The event raises approximately $1,000 for the program.

Chaperoned by their mothers, grandmothers and friends, little girls dressed in their favorite princess costumes. Upon arrival, these guests received their crowns. They sat at tables decorated exquisitely with tablecloths, tea cups and treats. Cast members Delia Winas, Charlie Strzelecki, Gracie Theophille and Riley Wininger were at the ready as servers to make sure all the guests enjoyed the tea. Strzelecki will portray the lead Shrek in “Shrek: The Musical.”

After the guests sat for tea, they enjoyed story time in which cast members dressed as princesses read storybooks. Two of the readers were Molly Gibson and Claire De Dominicis. De Dominicis will play Gingee and the Sugarplum Fairy in the musical.

From story time, the guests could have their faces painted to add color to their outfits. There was also a craft making table for guests to decorate their own wands. One of the princess helpers at the craft table, Julia Janis, will surrender her gown to take on the role as the dragon in the musical. A surprise guest appearance by Princess Elsa had all the little girls excited to meet her. One of the face painters, Ella Patterson traded in her paintbrush to portray Princess Elsa for the guests. Although Patterson plays Pinocchio in the musical, she made an enchanting Princess Elsa.

The Royal Tea has become sort of a homecoming for alumni. Michelle Blazofsky Wynne is a member of the ACCHS Class of 2013 who was dance captain. She brought her daughters Lillian and Paisely to the event. She shared the joy she had working with Assistant Director Adreanne Motley.

Director Kateri Verenna and Assistant Director and Choreographer Motley have been working with the students to prepare for this year’s Freddy production. “Shrek: The Musical” will run 7 p.m. April 3, 4 and 5 at Mason Auditorium. There is also a 2 p.m. performance April 5. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 28. Information can be found on the school’s website: ACCHS.info.