If you’re looking to support both local organizations and talent, The 2012 Really Big Show, coming to The Centre’s Aiken Theatre on Saturday, February 11th at 7 p.m., is a good way to go.
Put on by Evansville ARC, a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to advance the value of and respect for all individuals with disabilities, the Really Big Show contributes to the community by providing services that promote development, employment, and independence.
The Really Big Show is a variety show in its 10th year, which means that though there are several performers and acts that people are excited to see again, there are also a lot of big surprises. Denise Seibert, Director of Development for Evansville ARC, says, “This year’s show will be another entertaining show for our audience. This year’s theme is ARC Trek: Boldly Going Where No Really Big Show Has Gone Before … We’ve never explored outer space during a show! An exciting part of The Really Big Show is the element of surprise. We try to keep the audience guessing as to what will happen next and who will be on the stage with a talent they did not expect! And given that the show has a space theme, the audience can expect to see local residents playing some notable characters, such as Captain Kirk, Spock, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and much more!”
Jeff Lyons is back this year to host The Really Big Show.
That doesn’t mean your old Really Big Show favorites won’t be there, though; Seibert is quick to say, “The audience can expect a lot of variety. We have Matt Grisham, an illusionist, and the Evansville Fire Family is making an appearance. Barbara Santora, a jazz singer, is performing, as well as The Classical Guitar Society of Evansville. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Really Big Show without Gina More singing. We also have Mayor Lloyd Winnecke performing, and Brad Ellsworth will be onstage at some point during the show. On top of that, Jeff Lyons, the Chief Meteorologist for 14 News, is hosting.”
The group, Soundproof, take the stage at The Really Big Show in 2011.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about the Really Big Show is that it’s put on and produced locally; all of the talent comes from the Tristate. “The show is written, created, and produced by a nearly all-volunteer cast and crew. In 2011, 179 dedicated volunteers provided more than 1,665 hours of time and talent to bring The Really Big Show to the Centre stage. Net proceeds from the show benefit the areas of greatest need at Evansville ARC. In 2011, the show’s net proceeds were $93,000. In the past, we have raised as much as $125,000 to support our programming. Attendance for the show usually numbers between 1,400 and 2,000 people,” says Seibert.
Tickets are only $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger; they can be purchased at the Centre box office or Ticketmaster locations. You can also buy VIP tickets, which cost $100 but include prime seating and admission to the Curtain Call Reception following the show, through the Evansville ARC website, www.evansvillearc.org.
