T he curtain is ready to open on the Really Big Show XV, a community night of talent sponsored by Peoples United Bank for United Way of Rutland County.
On Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Paramount Theatre, the finest collection of amateur talent in the Rutland region will gather to put on an extraordinary show. The 20-plus acts will display a variety of talents from singing, dancing, Broadway skits, and much more.
This year the show will celebrate its 15th anniversary. Show Producer Pat Wener has been there almost every step of the way and is amazed at the show’s longevity and continued success.
“It is amazing that we have been doing the show for 15 years now,” she said. “To see the talent progress through the years and the incredible variety of acts really makes it wonderful. I have many special memories of different performers and still get nervous and excited when the curtain rises for the show.”
Another group that has been there all along is Peoples United Bank. Committee members have changed through the years, but Nicole Fabian and Sheila McCutcheon have served on the committee as representatives from the bank for the years.
“Originally we were trying to come up with an idea to help raise funds for United Way in an unusual and fun way. We tried dances and other ideas, but this is the one that really took off,” said Fabian.
Master of Ceremonies Sam Gorruso will be serving in his 10th show.
“The show gets better and better each year because the volunteers do their roles well. We try to get it down to a science so that people coming to the show each year leave saying that this year’s show was even better than the last,” he said. “We have a good following and our goal this year will be to fill the theater. The price of the show will stay at $15, making this the best show in town for the money.”
“We have a very generous and talented community and appreciate the efforts of all involved” added Chuck Sharp, director of United Way.
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