The lights dims, the crowd quiets, the microphones are checked, the curtain opens. A number of singers, dancers, and other acts await for their moments in the spotlight. After days of practice the acts prepare to perform in front of a number of people from the Revere community. The emcees walk onto the stage introducing the first act and thanking the audience for coming to support the local talent Revere has to offer.

The Variety Show provides a combination of performances that are showcased at the Revere High School auditorium. The show is a Revere Players fundraiser and the emcees of the show are typically students in Players, Ellie Edwards, Charlie Wise, Noah Sigsworth and Sydney Borcherding.

Revere sophomore Becca Schmidt has been preparing herself to sing in the show.

“I am performing the song ‘Stone Cold’ by Demi Lovato with my accompanist Isabeau Jackson, a junior from CVCC.” Schmidt said.

She performed her audition in front of Amy Fagnilli to determine if she would perform in the show or not. A social studies teacher, Fagnilli has been running the show for seven years now and explained how many people it takes to make sure the show runs smoothly.

“[It] usually [takes] two or three people in the tech booth to control lighting and sound. Jason Choy is in charge up in the booth. Three or four work backstage, Anna Gerber and Ben Tipton run that, moving props and running the curtain, and myself and the emcee to make sure the show runs smoothly,” Fagnilli said.

Junior Ellie Edwards explained what she will be doing in the show.

“I’m performing a solo with piano and I am emceeing with Sydney Borcherding, Noah Sigsworth, and Charlie Wise” Edwards said.

The show takes a lot of people working back stage, helping with lighting, and getting the word out about the show. Schmidt explained what made her want to be a part of the show

“Before I did the Variety Show last year, I had extreme stage fright. It was to the point where I couldn’t even sing in front of my family, because I was so embarrassed and scared. I finally decided that if I wanted to get anywhere with my passion, I needed to take small steps, and the Variety show came up, and I decided to go for it no matter what happened. So I mainly wanted to prove to myself and to my family that I could do [it] and that I was entirely serious about my dream,” Schmidt said.

Everybody is invited to come see the show. Fagnilli explained how the show contributes to the Revere community.

“It gives people a chance to see the multiple talents of Revere students in a new venue. For a kid who rocks at piano or singing, you might see them in the choir or band, but you don’t hear them individually. This gives an audience a chance to see them really perform,” Fagnilli said.

Edwards, who will be one of the emcees this year, explained how she was chosen to be a part of the show.

“Since the Variety Show is a Revere Players fundraiser, students in players usually emcee. I approached Mrs. Fagnilli about being an emcee, and she approved my idea for it. I also auditioned for my solo like the other students,” Edwards said.

This is Schmidt’s second time being a part of the show and she mentioned what she think the most important thing is about the show based on her experiences.

“I think that the most important thing about this event is to gain more self-confidence rather than showcasing your talents.
Although that is fun. last year there were some technical complications with my soundtrack and I had to go offstage and start the song over. It was a very interesting time because, I had never really experienced that while I was onstage and had already started my act. But, coming back from that was a very good experience and helped me be more comfortable on stage in front of all those people, so I am almost glad it happened. I now don’t really have a problem performing. Of course, I have the pre-show jitters, but once I get on the stage with a mic, what happens happens and that’s the way I see it,” Schmidt said.

As the show comes to a finish the lights are put back on, and the crowd applauds as the performers take their final bows. The show took place on January 21 at 7 pm. The show featured a number of different acts, including both Revere High School and Middle School performers.