Communications High School brewed a sweet Coffeehouse on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, revealing the many talents of students and leaving attendees with a latte of thoughts.

The Class of 2024 hosted Coffeehouse with the theme “CHS is Up All Night,” an invitation for guests to get comfy in their pajamas and enjoy the show. Exuberant hosts Luke Bigley and Justin Longo entertained the audience between the two acts with snippets of comedy that brought the show to life. According to junior class president Mackenzie Prince of Union Beach, 250 people attended, selling out the event.

“I thought we were going to sell out,” Prince said. “But I did not think Mr. Gleason would add the extra seats and that we’d fill them all.”

Coffeehouse is an annual CHS tradition; it offers a stage for students with a passion for singing, dancing, music, comedy and as of 2022, muppet shows (note Molly Deming and Avery Decker’s spectacular “Man or Muppet” act). It shines a spotlight on new faces each year and provides a consistent space for veterans of the stage to keep performing.

That night, the cafeteria displayed an array of baked goods and colorful lights. Food  and Decoration Committee Heads Emma Makin and Kelly O’Toole contributed to bringing the sleepover concept to life. With the help of a beautiful bulletin board and a well-adorned hallway, attendees were immersed in the warm ambiance. Junior Jordan Denzler of Middletown was in charge of lighting and noted that their class’s hard work paid off.

“[I’m] super impressed with all the decorations and food that our class brought in,” Denzler said. “And the theme was cute and fun. A lot of people went all out for it and that added to the ambiance.”

The combination of fabulous decor and performances dazzled the audience. For new performers, the praise they received was unexpected but much appreciated. Sophomore Gracyn Austin of Fair Haven played piano and sang an original song, entitled “Masquerade,” for her first Coffeehouse performance.

“I was nervous going on stage, but the second I got there, I felt like it was just me and the piano,” Austin said.

With rave reviews, it’s no stretch to say that the CHS event was a big hit.

“I thought it went really well,” Prince said. “I’m proud of what everyone was able to accomplish.”