Sweet moments at 2025 Dessert Theater

FORT MADISON - This weekend, the Fort Madison Music Department completed its 45th year of Dessert Theater, showcasing what they’ve learned throughout the year. 
The performances included 98 students in the high school show choir, 36 students from the middle school show choir, 18 in the high school show band, 12 from the middle school show band and 42 from both Jazz Bands— 206 Fort Madison students performed this weekend. 
Swingspan and Crimson & Black delivered their high-energy performances learned this year. One was a new performance in which everyone in the high school choir could participate: Dessert Theater Choir held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Other performances included the middle school show choir; “Fortissimo,” and both Jazz Bands. 
Wingert Bakery provided desserts during the night to families and friends who purchased a table for their group, and Pool 19 Plants & Records provided plants at the tables to take home.
Something unique they try to do with Dessert Theater is highlight the seniors throughout the weekend, allowing each senior to perform a solo. They want to make this experience memorable by giving them a special last performance.
Fort Madison seniors Allison Lamb and Sabrina Jennings performed a duet of “For Good” from the musical Wicked. Lamb speaks on her experience, saying it was her favorite moment from Dessert Theater this year.

“We were excited for it, and it was something we had talked about doing since freshman year, so I was happy we finally got to do it.”
She also talked about her experience in the show choir and the lessons she learned. She expressed that this was one of her best experiences in high school, doing what she loved with all of her friends.
Every student in the program will carry this experience with them long beyond high school. Jennings talked about the community that was built.
“The family aspect of it, a bunch of individuals, and they all got so close over the competition season.”
Taylor Stoddard, choir director at Fort Madison, wants his seniors to walk away with the best memories and be proud of their accomplishments. Stoddard also describes being excited for the next chapter. 
“I am excited to build on the improvement this program has made in the eight years I have been here and continue to grow and improve.”
Other vocal senior soloists included Alyssa Crowther, Danika Dotson, Ethan Huffman, Gul Yoruk, Katelyn Sissel, Kaylee Newton, Lucy Arevalo, Morgan Miller, Ruby King, Shirley Zhao and Sydney Fraise. Zayne Speer had the only instrumental solo this weekend.