For 37 years, the annual “Viviano Variety Show” benefit has operated by the theatrical credo of “the show must go on!” But as Geoffrey Chaucer wrote during medieval times, “All good things must come to an end.” And so it is that the “Viviano Variety Show,” a holiday tradition for many Kansas City area families, will have its 38th and last performance on Nov. 19.

“People have asked, ‘Jerry, is there a reason why you’re closing the show?’ It’s like any good novel. You have a good first chapter, various chapters in be-tween, and a final chapter,” said Viviano, the founder, performer and host. “After a lot of deliberation and prayer, it’s time.”