By Lauren Rearick
On Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, the cast of this year’s variety show will get the chance to display their musical and theatrical talents for classmates, teachers, staff, and the public.
From dance numbers to vocal performances to original skits, the variety show Circus Bezerkus has something for everyone. Senior Trisha Neidlinger said, “I will be performing a dance in the show.” Fellow senior Tori MacLain, on the other hand, will be showcasing her vocal skills in a group performance of “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri. Freshman Ben Piazza will take to the stage as a member of the winter drumline and the pit orchestra. Senior Tayler May will display her talents in a variety of numbers. “I’m in numerous acts,” May said. “I’m singing a duet, I’m in three skits, chorus, Crimson, and I may be a specialty dancer.”
Preparing their acts for Circus Bezerkus takes a lot of time and energy on the behalf of the performers. Piazza said, “Our pit orchestra practices are twice a week for about an hour, and winter drumline practices are also twice a week for two hours.” MacLain also dedicates several hours a week to rehearsals saying, “I usually practice twice a week for about an hour and a half or as long as the group wants to work.” Neidlinger said, “We will put in two weeks of practice, which adds up to over 30 hours of rehearsal.”
Some cast members have participated in past shows and are used to the hard work and long practices that come with putting an act together. May, a variety show veteran, said, “We practice for about three hours each night during the 2-3 weeks leading up to the show. Practice, practice, practice!” MacLain and Neidlinger agree that practice makes perfect. Piazza has never participated in the variety show, but he is well aware of the importance of rehearsal time. He said, “I am practicing with the pit orchestra and the winter drumline so that I will be ready in time.”
As rehearsal schedules become increasingly intense and the performance dates draw near, some of the performers are starting to feel the usual pre-show butterflies. “I always get super nervous before any performance where people will hear me sing,” May said. MacLain is also feeling the nerves, but she is prepared to handle them. “I have never sung in front of our high school before, so I am nervous, but I am a performer and can control my nerves,” she said. Piazza seems to be calm and relaxed about the upcoming show, saying, “I was in theater classes this year, and I’m not a nervous type of guy anyway.”
Whether they are anxious about performing or not, Circus Bezerkus participants are all looking forward to the show. Neidlinger said, “It’s my senior year, and I have never been in any of the past shows, so I’m excited.” MacLain is looking forward to the opportunity to reveal her hidden singing talent. May’s excitement will be mixed with sadness, as the variety show will be her last performance on the PHS stage. “I decided to participate in the variety show because I love to perform, and it will be my very last time to shine.”
Cast members encourage students and staff to attend Circus Bezerkus for an evening of fun and entertainment. “The show is going to be loud, fantastic, and crazy,” MacLain said. May added, “Circus Bezerkus is rated M for madness and musical mayhem!”