North Valley Chorale Presents Cabaret of Love
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
The lights dim, and champagne glasses clink as anticipation fills the air. The first notes of a familiar love song float through the room, and something magical happens — the audience begins to sing along, their voices blending with those of the performers on stage.
This enchanting scene isn’t from a Broadway musical or a Hollywood rom-com. It’s a real moment from “Love is in the Air,” the North Valley Chorale’s annual Valentine’s cabaret, which has quickly become one of the Valley’s most cherished romantic traditions.
“I remember being delightfully surprised when the audience spontaneously broke into song along with the performers!” recalls Eleanor Johnson, artistic director of North Valley Chorale. “Many of the songs we present are popular favorites that our audience knows by heart.”
Now in its third year, this unique event transforms the Phoenix Boys Choir building into an intimate bistro setting, where audiences are treated to a night of romantic melodies, champagne and gourmet desserts. It’s a Valentine’s celebration that goes beyond the typical dinner-and-a-movie date, offering couples and friends alike a chance to immerse themselves in the language of love — music.
The show’s popularity has exceeded all expectations since Johnson first dreamed up the Valentine’s cabaret in 2023. The demand is such that this year’s production has expanded to three performances.
“The response from our past audiences has been overwhelming — they’ve practically demanded we continue these shows each year!” Johnson says. “By early December, we had already sold one-third of our available seats for 2025.”
It’s easy to understand the enthusiasm. Each February, dedicated volunteers transform the Phoenix Boys Choir building into an intimate bistro setting where about 100 guests enjoy champagne and gourmet desserts while being serenaded with love songs spanning multiple genres and eras.
The transformation begins hours before each performance, as strings of twinkling lights are carefully arranged and tables are dressed in elegant linens. The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the experience, from the carefully curated dessert menu to the sophisticated champagne service.
“Our wonderful volunteers have worked magic with the lighting in the Great Hall,” Johnson explains. “Karen Thomson and Margaret Neno coordinate a dedicated team who turn our everyday rehearsal space into a sophisticated cabaret. Once we add the champagne service and gourmet desserts, you truly feel transported.”
The programming offers something for every romantic sensibility. The 2025 repertoire ranges from doo-wop classics to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” from “My Funny Valentine” to selections from “Mamma Mia.” The carefully crafted program takes audiences on an emotional journey through the many facets of love, from playful infatuation to deep, lasting commitment. This variety showcases the 60-member chorale’s versatility through full ensemble numbers, solos, duets and small group performances.
“It’s a wonderfully intimate setting — the audience sits quite close to the performers, almost at the same level,” Johnson notes. “Our singers weave through the room as they enter and exit between numbers, creating these lovely personal interactions you just don’t experience in a traditional concert hall.”
The cabaret format provides unique opportunities for choir members to shine.
“I wanted to create opportunities for our talented singers who may not be quite ready to tackle solo parts in works like Handel’s ‘Messiah’ or Bach’s ‘Magnificat,’” Johnson explains. “The intimate setting provides the perfect atmosphere for these performers to shine.”
The format has proven so successful that several choir members who first performed solos at “Love is in the Air” have gone on to take leading roles in the chorale’s major concert productions.
Creating such a polished production requires months of preparation. Johnson begins previewing music well in advance, working closely with colleagues Shannon Barrett and Carolyn Nyland on repertoire selection and presentation. The trio spends countless hours reviewing potential songs, considering not just their musical merit but how they’ll fit into the overall flow of the evening.
The choir incorporates choreography — an exciting challenge for many members — and adapts to performing with recorded tracks rather than its usual live orchestral accompaniment.
Whether celebrating with a significant other or enjoying an evening out with friends, “Love is in the Air” offers a uniquely enchanting Valentine’s Day experience. The combination of intimate atmosphere, professional performances and delectable refreshments has created something rare: a new Valentine’s Day tradition that feels both fresh and timeless.
As Johnson puts it, “Between the heartfelt entertainment, intimate venue, delectable treats and champagne, you can’t help but feel the love in the air. After all, that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about.”
‘Love is in the Air’
Feb. 14–15 // Friday 7 p.m. // Saturday 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. // Phoenix Boys Choir Building // 1131 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix // See website for prices // 623-252-1746 // northvalleychorale.org
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