Slipping on their variously colored tiaras, wings and ball gowns, the princesses get ready to spread magic through the audience.  Fairy dust is sprinkled across the floor of the choir suite as the Seasons a cappella group diligently prepares for their Princess Tea performances on Feb. 28 and March 1. Princess Tea, a show meant for younger audiences interested in an evening of princess magic, brings beloved characters to life through music, storytelling and audience interaction, while simultaneously giving performers a chance to embody roles they once daydreamed about themselves.

For many cast members, like sophomore Seasons member Gwen Porter who will be playing the part of Alice from Alice in Wonderland, the show is more so about connection rather than perfection.

“It’s my first time in Princess Tea,” Porter said. “ I’m super excited because I know that Princess Tea is something a lot of little kids look forward to, so it’ll be fun to interact with them.”

Choosing which princess, or character, to portray is a big decision for performers, especially regarding personality fit. Each Seasons performer has a corresponding Pitch Black member who accompanies them as their “prince”.

“I chose Alice because she is such a fun, cute, whimsical character that would be fun to portray,” Porter said. “I knew that if I did Alice then Arthur Ce would play the Mad Hatter, and I thought that would be perfect.”

Behind the scenes of all the glitter and smiles, however, is a demanding rehearsal schedule followed by the performers since December, with two weeks of rehearsals every day after school before the show dates.

“The hardest part is having to stay after school everyday because sometimes I just want to go home,” Porter said.

The true purpose of the event lies in the audience engagement with children who have come for a night of magic. 

“I feel like so many little girls grew up and dreamed of being a princess, so it’s so fun to not only fulfill that childhood wish, but to also become an inspiration for so many young viewers,” senior Seasons member Charlotte Griffin said. “It’s really heartwarming to get to see the pure joy on their faces and know that you’re a part of it.”

Though the rehearsals have been intensive and taxing, the excitement outweighs the exhaustion, according to Griffin.

“Since it’s such a big show, we have a lot of long and really complicated songs that we’re preparing, and we’re trying to make them absolutely perfect,” Griffin said. “We’ve been working on it for so long and I think it’s going to be a really great performance.”

For Griffin, who will be playing Anna, her senior year show carries an additional emotional weight.

“It’s very bittersweet knowing that this is my last princess tea,” Griffin said. “I’ve made so many amazing memories and friends, and I’ll be sad to close that chapter of my life, but at the same time, I know I’m leaving it in good hands with the underclassmen, and I can’t wait to watch the legacy continue.”