A diverse group of performers will take the Midland Theatre on Saturday night to raise money for Variety of Greater Kansas City. (Poster courtesy of Variety of Greater Kansas City)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Tomorrow night, some of Kansas City’s biggest names will come together to perform on the Midland Theater stage for the 2013 Variety Show, which will benefit the Variety Children’s Charity of Kansas City.
The show came to be when the charity brainstormed ideas for an interactive fundraiser that would attract the community.
“Since the roots of Variety come from the entertainment industry decades ago, and our name is Variety, the idea came up to put on a true variety show. ” said Variety Show 2013 co-chair Mark Moberly.
In order for the Variety Show to be a success, the event’s committee had to look for some Kansas City locals that were interested in performing in front of an audience. While they were looking for performers, they also had to think about fundraising.
“In order to raise money, we asked local business people to participate in the show and they “paid” to perform in the show.” Moberly said.
This year, Variety has recruited a diverse group of well-known Kansas City VIPs including recording artist Drew Six, ballroom dancer Lauren LaPointe, two-time Emmy-nominated comedian Brad Meehan, magician Devin Henderson and Kansas City After Hours host Darron Story, to perform for the audience.
“No other event brings such an eclectic mix of talent and celebrity together for one night of entertainment.” Moberly said. “It’s an actual produced show, you can see nowhere else since it only happens once each year.”
In addition to the local performers, there will be one additional act that will be making their debut on the Midland Theater stage.
“This year, we added a Star Search component to the Variety Show.” Said Variety Show co-chair Tina Welch, “We had people audition to actually be in the Variety Show. The auditionees sent in their YouTube videos and they had people vote for them.”
Every time a person voted for the act they wanted to see make it to the Star Search round; a donation was made towards the charity.
“The last 10 acts that raised the most money had the most votes won a chance to audition for a spot in the Variety Show line-up.” Welch said.
After performing in front of an audience at the Alamo Drafthouse and celebrity judges including Lauren McCarthy and Darron Story, Alyssa Mendoza will have the opportunity to perform in front of the Variety Show audience on Saturday.
In addition to all of the great performances, there will be a silent and live auction that will feature a diverse group of prizes including a selection of gourmet treats, the ultimate tailgating package and two tickets to the American Music Awards.
“The Variety Show is an event like any other in Kansas City because it is truly entertaining.” Moberly said. “Last year’s inaugural show was amazing and we have an even better one in store for this year.”
For more information about the Variety Show, visit the website: http://varietyshowkc.org/
To learn more about Variety of Greater Kansas City, click here: http://www.varietykc.org/
