Variety show to take stage at WiLLow LeaVes

Correction: Nancy Worland was incorrectly identified in an earlier version of this story. It has been updated.

Nearly one dozen performers will gather for a first-ever Variety Show at 7 p.m. Saturday at WILLow LeaVes of Hope.

The one-night only event features local and regional talent, says Naomi Fleetwood-Pyle, producer.

Pyle says she used personal contacts as well as social media to gather the show’s talent.

“We have got comedians, skits, singing and dancing,” she says. “There are about 10 performers and there may be a couple more acts.”

The two-hour long show, which offers and intermission, is the first of its kind to be held at WILLow LeaVes of Hope, Pyle says.

The evening’s show will be preceded by dinner at 6 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., Pyle says.

Musician Mark Taylor says he is still tweaking his set, but plans to offer the audience some acoustic guitar performances of Jim Croce and Elvis numbers that they are sure to recognize.

A performer for more than 20 years, Taylor says this is his first time performing in a variety show. 

For Taylor, performing music is about the music, doing what you love, and giving audiences something to remember.

Singer Brandon Coomer is a veteran of the stage who has several variety show performances in his repertoire and is beyond excited about Saturday’s performance.

Having previously taken the stage with Dolly Parton, Coomer says he doesn’t get nervous before a show.

The Austin resident says he plans to perform a range of songs from country to 80s rock.

“I hope it all goes well and is upbeat,” he says. “I like to have positive energy and want to have a good time.”

However, it is a lack of a good time, to which some audience members may relate, that is the genesis of one performance Saturday night.

Rooted in a brief moment in reality more than 30 years ago, the short story “Brown County Date” is sure to elicit some laughs from the audience, says Nancy Worland. 

Worland says she has no doubt the show is going to be a success. And as for pre-show jitters, she couldn’t be more relaxed, she says.

“Everyone is there to have fun,” she says. “All these people are known and loved around here. I have no doubt the show will be well-received.”

The show will also feature the return of local favorite Lisa Barrett, who will reprise her role as Patsy Cline in addition to performing some other familiar favorites.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s show, Pyle hopes it brings in more traffic to Hope’s premier dinner theatre location. And, those who are attending their first performance at WILLow LeaVes of Hope will hopefully learn about the other events hosted there.

“Since they have a stage there, why not utilize it?” Pyle says.

Pyle is excited about what is doing to be a fun evening of talent, she says. And she is likewise proud of those who are participating in the show.

“My hope for the people who are performing is that their friends and family will come out to support them,” Pyle says.