Holmes variety show continues to prep March shows

The variety show is a production that showcases the talents of the Holmes Junior High School students. Featuring singing, dancing, drama, stunts, comedy and more, it’s a highlight of the spring. Ashley Cardamone, Jeremy Prouty and Zachary Rogers are the directors of this themed talent show, presented by a group of MC’s. 

Cardamone is the head director, meaning she runs rehearsals, coordinates the calendar and all of the logistical aspects of the show. She also does the behind-the-scenes organizing that makes the show happen and gives the talent the stage. 

This is Cardamone’s seventh variety show. This production is one of her favorite things about Holmes. “It’s a really special opportunity for us to showcase how amazing our students are. I’m so proud of all the work that goes into the show, and it’s a super fun experience.” 

Cardamone’s favorite part of this particular show is the theme, time travel. “Our acts are all designed in a way that gives the show an overall plot, which is a unique feature of the show.”

Prouty’s role is to be the director of the dramatic acts. This always includes a short dramatic piece and the MCs. The MCs introduce the acts and connect the various acts to the theme. This can also include short comedy sketches, the short film and other novelty acts. 

According to Prouty, he also “works closely with the tech crew to manage all of the work that happens behind-the-scenes to make sure that everything runs smoothly during the performance.”

Prouty said he enjoys being a part of the variety show. “I love working with the students each year to make the show exciting and memorable. It helps me to avoid the winter doldrums. I [also] love seeing the show develop from rough ideas into a polished professional act.” He also said that there is “nothing better than the nervous energy and excitement that happens when we perform. No two shows are the same and there are always problems that need to be solved or crises to avert, but that is what makes live entertainment so powerful. I cannot imagine this not being a part of my life every year.”

Prouty’s favorite part of the show is right after the last performance. “All the hard work and all of the time we have spent together is over. It is always emotional, bittersweet and beautiful. Students are hugging and laughing. There are always some tears of joy, relief and, for the ninth graders, a bit of sadness [because] this is their last go around with the show.”

Rogers is the director of show choir. This is a group that meets before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they perform in the variety show, along with other musical groups. 

“Seeing all of the different talents that students have during auditions and then watching performances grow and develop over the winter is so much fun. As students collaborate with each other and their directors, the variety show always develops into something even cooler than anyone imagines at the start of the year.”

Rogers’ favorite part of this production is the students. “Seeing how meaningful each show is for them, helping them turn their creative ideas into a real performance, watching them all have fun with their friends. It’s a really unique experience to have at the junior high level.”

Marie Darst is a vital part of tech crew. Last year, she was co-head tech, but this year will be relinquishing the role to somebody else. 

“I’m a part of the variety show because I like working on projects from behind the scenes and helping create a fun show for everyone.”

Darst’s favorite part of this production is watching the whole show come together. She works with tech crew, keeping things working smoothly.

Lydia Rusley-Hanesford is involved with the variety show because “it’s very enjoyable to perform different kinds of acts for other people and it’s an amazing community of peers to work with.”

Rusley-Hanesford is a part of a SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir, a Dumb Ways to Die parody choir, a ninth grade choir, a ninth grade dance and a drama act. 

Her favorite part of the variety show is the practices. “As we get closer to the show, it’s amazing to see all of the acts come together and make sure it’s a fantastic performance for the audience.”

The shows will be Friday March 3 at 7 p.m. and Saturday March 4 at 2 p.m. for the 25-act, two and a half hour show.

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