Showcasing their heart

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Sonia Perez said the judges chose her 8-year-old daughter Emilia to appear in an upcoming talent show because of her beautiful smile.
Emilia, who lives on Benner Street in Oxford Circle, was diagnosed a year ago with Asperger syndrome, which is an autism spectrum disorder. Like most others with Asperger, she is high functioning.
Sonia Perez appreciates the work of Variety — the Children’s Charity of Greater Philadelphia, and was grateful when the organization gave her tickets to Sesame Place.
And, when Perez heard the charity was having a fund-raising talent show, she thought her daughter would be a natural. She impressed judges at an audition in February.
"She has a lot of talent," Perez said. "I want her to be less dependent on her medication and focus on her talent."
The second annual Variety Show: Kids With Heart will take place on Wednesday, April 2, at the Prince Music Theater in Center City.
Emilia, who attends Green Tree School in Germantown, will be singing and dancing to Girls Just Want To Have Fun, the hit song and popular music video from Cyndi Lauper. She’ll be dressed as Lauper and have her hair styled the same as the 1980s-era pop music star.
"She’ll be great," Perez said of her daughter. "I’m an ’eighties fan. That’s when MTV first started. I love that video."
More than 25 children will perform at next week’s event, which will raise money for Variety. The charity is teaming with EBE, a Philadelphia-based entertainment company.
EBE’s principal is Eddie Bruce, the Northeast native best known as host of the popular local television show Dancin’ On Air in the early 1980s.
Bruce and others thought last year’s inaugural show was successful not only because of the money raised but because it showcased children.
"We wanted to make sure kids with disabilities had a venue where they could perform and be the star of their own show," he said.
Variety began in 1926 with a group of 11 entertainers in Pittsburgh. It has grown into an international charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for children.
The Philadelphia chapter began in 1935 and provides camps, holiday parties and various other programs for children with physical and developmental disabilities.
The talent show is a recent addition to the family activities that Variety provides.
"This show allows these kids to show off their unique personalities and talents. Some of them do not have opportunities like this to perform at their schools," said Andrew Pack, executive director of Variety of Greater Philadelphia.
Other local children participating in the show are Alana Hibbs and Sean Brennan, both of whom have Down syndrome.
Alana, a 12-year-old from Pine Valley, and Sean, a 13-year-old from the Far Northeast, will team up to sing Soaring Flying from Disney’s High School Musical. They gave a preview on Friday afternoon during a promotional event at the Gallery.
"Every kid loves that song," said Heather Hibbs, Alana’s mom.
Alana and Sean, who both attend Our Lady of Confidence School in Willow Grove, are both active kids.
Alana dances and plays basketball and soccer. She’s appeared in Law & Order and been a model for textbooks and learning videos for children with disabilities.
The youngster’s family thinks she’ll do well singing next week.
"We can’t wait," her mom said. "She’s so excited."
Sean hangs out with his sisters and plays basketball and baseball and PlayStation and other video games.
Frances Brennan, his mom, thinks her son will do a good job in his singing debut.
"We’re looking forward to it," she said. "He’s my guy. He’s always entertaining." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com

Get in on the fun . . .

The second annual Variety Show: Kids With Heart will take place 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.
Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $75 for premium seating and a VIP reception that begins at 6 p.m.
Call 1-800-553-7806 or visit www.varietyphila.org