Follies Performances to Kick Off Tonight

The first of three Follies performances is set to begin tonight at 7:30, followed by additional performances on Saturday and Sunday. The annual variety show is a staple of MCHS music and performing arts.

This year’s show is 70s-themed, featuring a variety of medleys and solos showcasing music from that era. Show choir medleys include 70s Soul Celebration, performed by the varsity choir; Disco Fever, performed by the concert choir; and Chicago in Concert performed by chorale. Solos such as Leah Gerriett’s Rhiannon (originally performed by Fleetwood Mac in 1976) and skits like The Best of the Best also pay homage to the theme.

“The concert choir is really fun,” said choir president Michael Johnson. “We have really solid dancing and really solid singing, and it’s a lot of fun to be able to come together and sing to the audience.”

This year’s choirs also stuck out to director Ethan Pruisman. “The show choir groups are just evolving every day. There hasn’t really been a stagnant growth day,” he said.

Rehearsals for all three show choirs began soon after winter break, with some groups meeting before school or during designated choir periods.

“People have really risen up and been practicing,” said Johnson. “It’s evident that there’s a lot of really good sounding singers and really solid dancers.”

The act list features a range of perennial favorites like Swamzers and Jazz Band, but also includes an array of acts unique to this year, from beat boxing to barbershop quartets.

Rehearsals for all cast members started last Tuesday. “They go late,” said Johnson with a laugh. “But it’s a really fun time to connect with people and experience the show for ourselves.”

Preparation concluded with a final dress rehearsal in front of a middle school audience.

“I’m just super proud of all the students and all of the time that they’ve put into it,” said Pruisman. “Every day I get more and more pictures of these students who are truly dedicating themselves to everything they do.”