On October 17th and 18th, BVH’s Vocal MusicDepartment presented a circus-themed performance at the Bolles Theater titled Scream: Step Right Up. While students and families enjoyed raffle tickets, concessions, and carnival games outside, the event was held to entertain the community and share a story about teamwork, leadership and friendship, told through creative singing, acting and storytelling.
The show opened with a lively carnival atmosphere, where excitement filled the room. There was dim light across the stage, and circus-themed songs mixed with the buzz of the crowd, creating the feeling of stepping right into a bustling circus. Inside, the story followed a confident ring leader, portrayed by senior Mackenzie Keoppen, whose sparkling costume and commanding presence drew every eye in the room. Her position was challenged after visiting the fortune teller’s tent, where senior Jazzmine Adame gave a powerful performance as Farah the Fortune Teller. With dramatic gestures and an intense gaze, she reveals that the ring leader is self-centered, warning that her selfishness might cause others to stop supporting her.
As the tension built, the clowns—commonly there to make people laugh—began fighting after hearing rumors spread by the ring leader’s own helpers. Creep the Carnie and Crook the Carnie, acted by sophomores Haley Housand and Naanelii Ulloa, watched with mischievous grins, their sly movements adding to the chaos. The drama caused the performers to turn against each other, and the circus seemed to lose its spark as the laughter faded into whispers. Sound Unlimited delivered an intense performance of “Paint It Black,” a song capturing feelings of anger and hurt over circulating rumors. As the final note faded, the lights went out, plunging the room into darkness, and the crowd screamed in surprise.
After intermission, the Barontones—the men’s show choir—revived the energy with a lively performance of “It’s Gonna Be Me,” followed by a piano mashup led by Alec Zelaya, as Roberto Saucedo and Juliana Macario moved through the theater. Their performance urged everyone to “go where the fun has not been sucked out of the room.” But the excitement was short-lived—the ringleader soon realized her plan was being uncovered, and the performers began to quarrel once again.
Eventually, the truth came out: none of the rumors were true. Sergei the Strong Man, brought to life by senior Donovan Fulcher, took the stage for a powerful solo, reminding everyone through song that anyone can be a leader and that kindness outweighs control.
By the end of the night, the performers agreed to share the ringleader role and work together. The show concluded with an uplifting rendition of “This is the Greatest Show,” leaving the audience cheering and energized. As the curtain fell, the cast realized that the spotlight didn’t belong to a single person—they could all lead together in harmony.
