The Variety Shows

Variety Show Playbill, 1960.

The Variety Shows

Donor: Don Prather, class of 1972

Authors: Riley Tolle, Class of 2025, Caleb McIntosh and Harper Teismann, Class of 2028

Story Contributor: Jenny Holmes Rice Class of 1979, Nancy Tolle Class of 1975

Web Page Designer: Jade Farley, Class of 2027

The Variety Shows, 1960.

Wonder and talent erupted on Highlands High School’s auditorium stage every other year, starting in 1960. A tradition that is still warmly remembered, the Variety Shows were legendary entertainment. It took months of preparation before the show was finally ready to be shared with the community. It was an extracurricular that would bring a large variety of students together on stage, and make the crowd feel like a part of the production. Only the cast knew what spectacular performances would take place when the show was ready to roll.

Recently, this biennial Variety Show has made a reappearance through artifacts and memorabilia. The playbills and photos show that each Variety Show had its own theme: Varsity Varieties, World’s Fair Varieties, Western Varieties, Dixie Varieties, and Broadway Varieties, to name a few. Alumni from all over town reflect happily about the Highlands High School Variety Shows, under the direction of Master Showman, Mr. Robert Knauf.

Variety Shows reserved ticket, 1972.

'Hee Haw!' skit, 1974.

This valuable part of Highlands history, the Variety Shows, were a safe place for all students to get together to perform skits, sing in the harmonious chorus, play musical instruments, unleash comedy routines, dance choreographed dances and collaborate creatively to share something truly incredible. Students from all grade levels and various interests joined in. Since it included a compilation of many small acts and talents, participation was not limited to the theater students. Student athletes (who typically couldn’t participate in months of theater practices) were able to practice and perfect their small performances during their personal time, which allowed them to attend their own sports practices while also joining in the Variety Show fun!

“It involved everyone; if you weren’t in it, you wanted to be in it because it was just so fun,” stated Jenny Rice, an alumna of Highlands who participated in the Variety Shows.

Through the years, the variety shows became notorious for the incredible acts that made the crowds cheer for their classmates up on the stage, under the direction of Mr. Knauf. Students who participated in the Variety Shows credit their beloved chorus teacher for making the Variety Shows happen. He produced some of the most incredible shows that were sure to pack the house. Highlands alumna, Nancy Tolle stated,

“Mr. Knauf was one of the best educators.”

Highlands students, such as Tolle and Rice, viewed him as a notorious figure regarding his creative direction, inclusion of all students and management of the variety shows. He created such an impact that he went down in Highlands history as one of the best, most beloved educators and directors.

Former HHS Chorus teacher, Mr Knauf.

Students in the variety shows were greatly impacted by Knauf, not only in the aspect of their love for the arts, but also for the passion and commitment to their acts. For many students at that time, it was

nerve racking, and somewhat out of their comfort zone when it came to performing on the big stage in front of a crowd.

“Being on a stage in front of many students was kinda scary. But then when we felt that energy that came from the crowd enjoying it so much, it gave us a feeling of being proud of being a part of a big show like that,” said Rice.

Preparing for the big show impacted the daily routines of the students and the show during that era. The students had been practicing for months on end, and finally got to showcase their finely-tuned performances.

Brass Jazz group, 1974.

“People all over Fort Thomas would come to this show and enjoy it. They would often praise it for being ‘spectacular,’ ‘entertaining,’ and literally any other compliment you could think of,” Rice explained. Former audience members also agreed that the chorus line in the shows was relatively similar to the Radio City Rockettes. High schools didn’t have “Dance Teams” back then, so this was an exciting way for local dancers to showcase their talents at school.

The Variety Shows were a great way to get involved at Highlands, during that era. They offered fun ways to hang out with friends and make new ones.

Students who were involved in the shows loved every bit because it was a perfect way to develop their stage presence and be a part of social activities. Knauf, teacher, and respected choral director, was not concerned if you had talent or not. If your act didn’t make the cut and you wanted to be in the show, he would make sure to fit you somewhere into the production.

“You didn’t have to be talented to do anything, but you were just a part of it, and you wanted to be a part of it and make lasting memories,” Jenny Holmes Rice, 1979.

This era of Mr. Knauf and the Variety Shows was a landmark era when all Highlands students could be part of a Grand Show creating confidence and fantastic memories for life.

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