South’s Variety Show (V-Show) is not just a talent show— it is a production unlike any other. Over 400 members’ abilities and hard work come together to create a high-quality production rivaling any professional, Mark Maranto, V-Show Producer and Assistant Principal of Student Activities, remarked. Preparations for V-Show’s 49th year have started, and this year, it will be “Unstoppable”.

The 2024 V-Show will be performed in the Norman E. Watson Auditorium from Feb. 21 to Feb. 24., Maranto said. The show’s theme, “Unstoppable”, was chosen in an effort to continue the energy of last year’s V-Show and honor the fact that V-Show is nearing its 50th anniversary, Maranto said.

“This year, [the V-Show producers] were excited about keeping the momentum [from ‘Wonderland’] going and [were excited about] how V-Show has been at South for half a century,” Maranto said.

Key players of V-Show include the Singer/Dancers (S/D), a performance group that dazzles the stage every year, S/D junior Leah Plasterer said. They are the figures dominating the stage during the main production numbers, she explained. Plasterer has found the cordial environment to be a defining feature of S/D.

“Everyone uplifts each other and supports each other,” Plasterer said. “I can trust that [the S/D] have my back and can be a source of support.”

Another group that is a part of V-Show is Back-Up Singers (BUS), filling the choir classroom every Monday and Tuesday after school, senior Keziah Jacob, BUS member, said. Despite Jacob being a new member of the group this year, she instantly became a part of the ensemble’s harmony. BUS allows her to experience a choir-like atmosphere while not having to worry about scheduling the class, she explained.

“Back-Up Singers [is] a lot like the [choir] class so if you don’t have time in your schedule to do choir and you still want to sing, backup singing is for you,” Jacob said.

As V-Show creeps closer, the intensity of their practices grows, Jacob explained. They are required to practice more frequently, attend rehearsals on weekends, and stay later than usual, she added.

But, it is not just musical acts that perform in V-Show. This year’s V-Show will be freshman William Hanneman’s first time participating. Hanneman is a member of Comedy Troupe, a sketch-comedy-based performance group, and he was impressed by the rigorous schedule and scale of preparation.

“[V-Show] is a lot more than I am used to,” Hanneman said. “[In middle school], there was no set [and production] as good as V-Show.”

While the rehearsal process for V-Show is demanding, Maranto emphasizes the growth and progress that makes it all worthwhile.

“I love to see the acts [during] auditions and then [eventually] on stage at the performance,” Maranto said. “[The acts] were good then, but it is great [at the time of the show] because [the performers] are tweaking things and making improvements.”

V-Show showcases student talent to the community; it is an opportunity for those involved to build meaningful friendships and explore their passions, Plasterer said. It provides a sense of camaraderie for everyone behind each “Unstoppable” act, Plasterer explained.

“The students and the staff create a great community of dedication, love, and support,” Plasterer said. “Everyone has such an important role in the show and I love seeing it all come together.”