The best way to describe the “No Shame” show is just that – a variety show with no shame allowed. The acts ranged from absurdist and hilarious to incredibly talented segments. But no matter the performance, the person/people on stage and the audience truly gave it their all. 

“It’s one of those things where it’s like ‘ya know what, yeah. Let’s just all get together and laugh and have a good time.’ And it gives students the opportunity to be more open and find the confidence to go up on stage,” theater teacher Phillip Reid said. 

Reid started the show his second year here. 

“It’s something that I did when I was in college, so I wanted to bring it here to McLean. It was one of my favorite things that I did at VCU,” Reid said. 

This year, the show was hosted by senior Sheridan Dalier. 

“Last year, I was really interested in directing the musical Urinetown, but then I auditioned for it too, and I was the old man, so I didn’t get to assistant direct,” Dalier said. “So there was a big part of me that wanted to be behind the scenes, and I’ve done a lot of tech work – like makeup, hair and costumes – but I’ve never really been hands on like with the set and the people, so Mr. Reid offered me at the end of the year for me to try it out, and I said yes!”

And despite having to scramble to get a matching outfit and learn a song with Reid, Dalier was very excited to be a part of such a fun show. 

“Some people like to think of it as a talent show, except nobody really wins,” Dalier said. With a smile she added, “except everyone because there’s no shame in what you’re preforming.”

Some of the highlights include:

Rebecca Blacksten’s monologue from “Stupid F*cking Bird” by Aaron Posner 

Madison Halla’s cover of “When He Sees Me” from Waitress The Musical

A cover of “Short Kings Anthem” by TMG and Blackbear

By far, the most intriguing part of the night was the recurring narrative of “Infinity Crab Saga.” It featured many distinct characters, but centered around the conflict between “Bad Boy Will” (in the faux leather jacket) and “Good Guy Graham” (in the white suit). The skits were interspersed throughout the other acts, and left on quite the clif-hanger. 

Make sure you come out for the next No Shame Variety Show to see the continuation of the “Infinity Crab Saga” and other amazing acts!