'A Spectacle of Miscellany'

DAYTON – Directors Jae Nichols and Tracy Barron said the audience at this year's TVAC Spring Variety Show should expect the unexpected. "A Spectacle of Miscellany" is a departure from the past tradition of choreographed numbers, and is a true variety show.

"There's so much amazing talent in the community. There is much more talent than just singing and dancing that we haven't been able to showcase with the prior variety shows. Doing a true variety show has allowed more people to be part of the production," said Nichols.

The idea for the theme was one born of necessity. Bev Startin directed the spring show for many years, and Julia Mead directed last year's production. This year, no one came forward to direct, forcing the show to be cancelled, Barron said.

"I was willing to direct, and had worked with Bev, but I didn't think I could do it alone. It's such an important fundraiser for TVAC that we didn't want to see it not happen," Nichols said. When Barron said she would help, the show was on.

"And we have a group of kids and parents that only do the variety show. The fall musical is such a time commitment that many kids can't do it. There were some disappointed kiddos in the community when word got out that we weren't going to have it," Barron said.

"And the spring show is a great stepping stone for kids who want to be in the fall productions. This gives them the opportunity to experience practices, learn how to follow director's instructions, and see what it's really like being up on stage," Nichols said.

Once committed, the pair went quickly to work. Barron is the self-described organizer, and Nichols is the creative mind. Both are seasoned TVAC veterans. Because they only had a few weeks to pull the entire production together, they chose to go a different route with auditions.

"People auditioned with the actual act they wanted to perform, and it could be anything," Barron said.

More than 25 acts showed up with talents that included: singing and dancing, skits, pantomime, monologues, stand-up comedy, patriotic numbers, and more. Groups and individuals perfected their acts at home and hit the stage for a weekly 10 minute stage practice to work out music timing, spacing, etc.

The cast ranges in age from 6 year-old Riley Coates to nearly-90-year-old Jack McCaw. The show will open with a group children's number, and the entire cast will join together a closing number.

"People should come and expect to see a different type of show than in the past. We have extraordinary talent, and some new faces to the stage. I think they'll be especially impressed with the talent of the kids that came forward with their own acts. There are some definitely future star musical performers here," Nichols said.

A Spectacle of Miscellany: The Spring Variety Show runs Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 5, at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $15 and may be purchased online at http://www.libertytheater.org, or at the theater box office.