St. Francis Preparatory School invites alumni, friends and neighbors to its upcoming production of “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Fresh Meadows school.

The Prep’s Alvernian Drama Society will put on a show with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lyric by Charles Hart, and under the direction of Donna Mejia, on Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Brother Ralph Clifford Memorial Auditorium.

This year’s production is unique in that students, as opposed to faculty and adults, have dealt with the conceptual design of the show. Auditions were open to the entire student body, and this year, a freshman earned one of the leads.

Veteran Prep teacher, Donna Mejia is also giving her Theater Design and Production class hands-on experience by learning to be assistant directors, designers, and stage hands. She is very proud that the show will be entirely student run at each performance. In fact, the show’s iconic chandelier will be built entirely by students.

Rehearsals can even be followed on Instagram at sfp_alvernians.

Alumni Collaboration

Additionally, Prep alumna Christina Fileas will be assisting with vocals. Bringing back alumni to collaborate and work with current students has been a hallmark of Mejia’s tenure.

In addition to the performances, Prep will hold its annual Christmas Tree lighting in the school library on Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., just before the opening-night performance. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.

Prep’s Chamber Choir, under the direction of David Kobayashi, will be singing Christmas carols. The library will be decorated for the event, and there will even be a visit by Santa Claus.

Keeping with the Franciscan Mission of the school, attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to SFP’s Toys for Tots drive.

Show tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and are available at the door. All are welcome.