Banana: a yellow fruit that grows on trees and tastes relatively sweet; or, Banana: a highly talented baseball player who enjoys dancing in front of thousands of people. In the performance world, a group of talented athletes elevate their craft to the next level.

Zack Phillips, a Texas High School alumnus, fulfilled his baseball dreams through an unusual pathway. The answer lies in Dinner Theater, guided by Student Council adviser Susan Waldrep. Phillips graduated from Texas High School in 2016 and discovered his love for dancing while being a member of Dinner Theater. Returning to Texarkana, where his journey began, sparks an amazing feeling for him.

“I don’t get to come home much because we’re always traveling,” Phillips said. “When I get a chance to stop [by] home, it’s one of those places where I get to just relax and enjoy my time.” 

The Bananas, a dancing group of baseball players, embarked on an ambitious traveling tour across the United States this year. They aim to visit 45 out of the 50 states by the end of the year, bringing their signature brand of fun and excitement to a wide audience. Their travels take them to various cities and towns, with Kansas City being one of Phillips’ favorite stops so far. 

“I was drafted by the Kansas City Royals out of Ole Miss,” Phillips said. “So getting to go back there was really cool.”

Dinner Theater began in 2010 and was originally held in the cafeteria with a capacity of only 500 spots. Currently hosted at Grim Stadium, the event focuses on skits and community services. This involves planning, practicing and balancing time effectively.

“Zach was a senior officer his senior year,” Waldrep said. “And by the time he was a senior, he was videoing himself learning dances at home and bringing it up and going, ´Look, I can do this´.”

Though he was involved in extracurricular activities, Phillips still kept up with his academics. His leadership excelled above most, and his kind personality warmed the hearts of many.

“He was extremely involved. [He] maintained his grades and [was] a big-time baseball player,” Waldrep said. “But Zach was very giving.”

Phillips expresses gratitude to Waldrep for her mentorship during his time in Dinner Theater, which shaped him into the Banana he embodies today.

“I grew up dancing and playing baseball,” Phillips said. “Being able to put my stuff in the dinner theater aspect and being able to do this has really helped.”

The Dixie Youth Baseball Association held their annual World Series opening ceremony on July 16, 2025, in Texarkana, which allowed Phillips, along with others to be guest speakers and give autographs. During his time in Texarkana, Phillips seized the opportunity to turn hundreds of kids’ dreams into reality. 

“[Being able] to inspire and make kids happy, or at least bring joy to them, is probably the best feeling you can ever receive in life,” Phillips said. “I’m very excited to be here today.”

Throughout high school, Phillips experienced the stress of being a student-athlete. He worried about the next school day after returning late from an away game, feeling that it was the worst game of his life, and questioned whether his friends would still like him because he lost the game for the team. As a Banana, none of that matters anymore.

“Here, I just have fun,” Phillips said. “If I make one kid smile, my day is made, and that’s all that matters.”