Remaining Great Bend High School Variety Show ticket sale times will be from 7:30-8 a.m., noon to 1 p.m. over the noon hour and then from 3-3:45 p.m. today in the music room. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Tickets cannot be purchased or reserved over the phone as seating must be determined when tickets are purchased.
There is a limit of 10 tickets per person per night (total of 30 tickets per person). All seating is reserved.
Prices are $6 for the balcony and side seating on the floor, and $7 for the center section of the floor.
Fourty years ago, the Great Bend High School music department needed a grand piano. This need spawned a tradition that continues to this day – the annual GBHS Variety Show.
This year’s installment opens at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday. All shows are in the GBHS auditorium.
“They began raising funds by holding a variety show,” said Susan Stambaugh, GBHS vocal music instructor who has been involved with the show for 17 years. But, “now, with more props and costuming, light and sound, and choreography, it is more of a thank you to the seniors.”
So, for Stambaugh and her seniors, it is a farewell. “For the upperclassmen and me, it’s a last chance to make memories that will bring closure to four years of hard work.”
After other years of practices, other fund raisers and extra effort, “this is a chance to allow individuals to shine a little. The concept of one last hurrah for seniors is so important, I think.”
Stambaugh said the show is open to all GBHS vocal and instrumental students who submit audition DVDs. Acts are selected, for the most part, on seniority. The program’s 67-some acts include music, skits and jokes.
“There are big group acts of underclassmen,” she said. But, “the smaller groups are seniors with solos, duets.”
For the younger students, Stambaugh said the show is an introduction to the lighter side of music performance. “After a year of concert rehearsals, this is a chance to cut loose and learn team work, time management and make lots of memories.”
The music department handles the ticket sales and the director comes up with the concept for the large acts. “We like to keep some tradition in the show, yet add things we have never tried before.”
The show comes at a very hectic time with sports, testing, college visits and holidays. “These have made us feel the pinch,” the teacher said.
She hates to hear someone say “it always comes together” because that implies that things just fall into place. “Instead, it’s more like we drill it into place” with long nights filled with long practices.
She also thanked the stage crew, which is made up of sophomores, other teachers, and those who helped with the costuming and choreography, lighting and sound and program production. “All of their efforts combined make it a great show.
“Over all, the show only happens because students and their families recognize that even at this busy time at the end of the school year, it is great to send the seniors off by celebrating one last time the talents God gave them,” Stambaugh said. “It’s going to be a great show.”
