The annual Portage High School Variety Show sponsored by the Thespians is quite a popular event that occurs throughout the school year. This 2014 edition of the Variety show brought in a record breaking number of audience members.
The 35th PHS student Variety Show also carried a theme of big numbers by having more than 30 performances throughout two acts. The first act had 18 performances and after intermission there were 16 more.
PHS sophomores Rachel Diaz and Adrianna Acevedo prepared a vocal duo with piano to the song Skinny Love by Bon Iver.
“When I found out I was performing in front of 1,000 people, I honestly had a moment of prayer,” Acevedo said. “I was freaking out because for the longest time I never had much confidence to sing in front of people, but then I met Rachel and she really helped me build confidence to do such a thing as the Variety show.”
PHS senior Alyssa Ronk explained what it was like to be apart of this production through rehearsals and the real event as a singing act. Ronk stated that her key priorities in her role for this production was not to mess up.
“Before my performance I just thought ‘don’t trip’ because I’m clumsy, don’t pee because members of the audience would probably leave, and don’t laugh because it’ll ruin my whole performance,” she said.
Although her nerves were wired before the performance, overall Ronk stated that her experience performing in the 35th annual Variety Show turned out to be extremely well and was glad that she seized the opportunity to be a part of the production.
“It was absolutely amazing,” explained Ronk, “ I met the greatest people. Everyone was so sweet and supportive and positive. I loved every minute of it.”
With a big turn out, there were also bigger acts such as singers, dancers, bands, performances by the PHS choraliers, dance team, and showcases of other talents. The show also included selections from the upcoming spring musical “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying!” Which will run on two weekends: April 25, 26, 27 and May 9,10.