There were over 140 acts that made up the strenuous tryout, one audition every five minutes. Over the course of twelve and a half hours, directors determined who would earn the opportunity to participate in South’s 2012 Variety Show. With that phase completed in less than three months, over 400 kids prepare for a show that hosts over 7,000 people. Leaving everything out on the stage, these kids are in the midst of creating one of the biggest shows of the year.

“Everybody comes to see this show,” director Stevi Marks said. “We want it to tell a great story and feature students in a really wonderful way. We want people to leave thinking that these kids are truly incredible. That makes me feel like it’s the most wonderful job in the world.”

Every year the Variety Show takes on a different theme, but the overall traditional purpose of the show has never changed.

“It was [originally] created to be a winter
Homecoming,” Marks said. “Alums come back and the community comes
together. […] The purpose is  to highlight the extraordinary talent that we have here and to show the depth and breadth of the student experience.”

This year, the performance will honor the 50th anniversary of South. There will be videos celebrating its history as well as a variety of speakers to serve as segues throughout the show, according to Dr. Jim Shellard, assistant principal in charge of student activities. These parts of the performance will serve as transitions and will take no time away from the student acts. Marks describes that a key element of this year’s Variety Show will be the demonstration of the positive impact that being a Titan has made on the lives of South alumni.

“We can’t be where we are without the past,” Marks said. “The student body should be really proud to be here and proud to be a Titan. What happened 50 years ago really is relevant in our lives because it makes us who we are today. A lot of the traditions that were started a long time ago […] are so much still a part of our culture now.”

Before the Saturday, Feb. 25 matinee show, there will be a luncheon gala event. There will also be a ceremony to open the 1987 time capsule completely, as well as sealing a new 2012 time capsule. The Variety Show will then serve as a separate finale for the alumni who participate in these anniversary festivities.

“The Variety Show is a time when people can come back who remember the school fondly […] or just want to celebrate the school,” Shellard said. “Every year it serves that purpose. The 50th just adds a kick to it.”

According to Shellard, the evolution of the show is similar to the development of student knowledge at GBS in that high quality adult guidance leads to the production of stellar results. With great leaders such as Marks, Rich Winship, stage drew director, and choral director Martin Sirvatka, the show is as best as it’s going to be, he says. Additionally, the singer-dancer acts are choreographed by a professional choreographer from Chicago.

Senior Chris Polmanski, four-year stage crew member, shares that each group’s ability to get their work done directly affects the rest of the show.

“Everything is knitted together,” Polmanski said. “Without the acts, there wouldn’t be any scene changes. Without the set, there wouldn’t be a scene. Everything is there for a purpose. We all have to work together, not just crew. […] It’s a group effort.”

Marks describes how each student strives to produce quality work for the public.

“When it gets tough, when kids get tired, we ask a lot,” Marks said. “The kids [have] to dig deep inside and bring something new today. They’ve got to fix what they did yesterday. […] Each student really takes that moment to sometimes step outside of themselves to think, ‘If I did this, I could do so much better.’”

Marks also acknowledges that strength is not only a factor found in the individual.

“We find the strength in community because each person is doing their part and when it comes together, it’s way more dynamic,” Marks said. “They start to put it together and are supported by each other. They really learn about the strength of unity. […] It goes back to the same thing we’re trying to celebrate about GBS.”

Principal Brian Wegley believes that this Variety Show in particular is going to be special considering the rare opportunity.

“It’ll be an event that won’t be repeated for another 25 years,” Principal Wegley said. “It’s cool that we’re all here to do this. I hope that people really take advantage and take it seriously. Let’s show what Glenbrook South is really all about to those who do come back.”