One of OPRF’s Best-Kept Secrets Takes the Stage Friday, April 24

For Oak Park and River Forest High School’s show choir, the performance may last just 45 minutes, but the impact lasts much longer.

After months of rehearsals, community performances, and a recent trip to Nashville, OPRF’s show choir will take the stage for its annual spring performance, a fast-paced, high-energy showcase that highlights both student talent and the power of collaboration.

“This is really the culmination of the entire year,” said director and choreographer Meghan Figel. “We only get one chance to perform it on our stage, so it’s a big moment for our students.”

Unlike traditional choir or theater productions, show choir blends singing and intensive choreography into one seamless performance. Students perform a seven-song set that spans musical theater, pop, and classic hits, all while dancing in sync.

“It’s very high-energy, cardio dancing and singing at the same time,” Figel said. “There’s nothing else quite like it.”

This year’s set includes a mix of styles, from “Blame It on the Boogie” to Wicked’s “Dancing Through Life” and the show-stopping finale, “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”

The result is a performance designed to entertain and engage audiences of all ages.

“If someone has never seen show choir before, they’ll be blown away by the endurance,” Figel said. “You have 32 students on stage doing the same choreography while singing. It’s incredibly impressive.”

While the performance is exciting, the experience behind it is just as meaningful.

Show choir provides students with opportunities to grow not only as performers but also as leaders and collaborators. Students serve as dance, vocal, and spirit captains, helping guide rehearsals and support their peers.

“They’re learning how to lead, how to work as a team, and how to step in when needed,” Figel said.

That teamwork is especially evident in the group’s “swings”, students who learn multiple roles and step in when needed.

“Their job is incredibly challenging,” Figel said. “They have to be ready to jump in at any moment. It builds confidence and adaptability.”

For many students, the program is also a place to find connection and belonging.

“When they’re on stage, and you see them cheering each other on or adding their own personality to the performance, that’s what it’s all about,” Figel said. “They’re doing what they love and supporting each other.”

This year’s performance is especially meaningful for Figel, who is now teaching students she first met as freshmen.

“To see them grow into leaders and into who they are as people, it’s incredible,” she said.

She points to students like senior captain Janila, who is not only a strong performer but also a role model for younger students.

“Students look up to her, not just for her talent, but for who she is as a person,” Figel said.

That growth reflects OPRF’s commitment to providing opportunities where all students can develop their skills, confidence, and sense of belonging.

Throughout the year, show choir performs at community locations across Oak Park, but the spring show is the only chance to see the full performance on stage.

“It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s over before you know it,” Figel said. “You can bring the whole family.”

With just one performance, Figel hopes more of the community will discover what makes show choir so special.

“These students work incredibly hard, and they’re so talented,” she said. “Once people see it, they’re hooked.”

Join Us

The OPRF show choir will perform its annual spring show this Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Come experience the energy, talent, and dedication of OPRF students, and celebrate a program that brings music, movement, and community together.