The 2010 Varieties theme, “Living the Lyrics,” states exactly what the approximately 500 participants have been doing over the last couple of months.

“Having fun, singing and dancing while hanging out with a bunch of new friends is a great way to break up the week,” said Kourtney Determan, junior in history.

Sponsored by the Student Union Board and put together by the Varieties Central Committee, Varieties is a talent show that has been exhibiting the skills of ISU students for more than 70 years.

These performances consist of 20 minute “mini-musicals” that are executed with original lyrics, choreography and even live bands.

Included in Varieties are also shorter acts, called vignettes, that are performed as well, showcasing any talent a student may have — anything from juggling to rocking it out on the saxophone.

“I really can’t say enough about the work both the groups and the central committee have put into this show,” said Denton Patrick, head producer of Varieties and junior in biochemistry.

“They have sacrificed a lot of time to keep Iowa State’s second oldest student-run program going and going strong.”

Co-chairs of each group start putting their skits together in October, with practices starting in November.

Students put in countless hours in preparation for this intense competition, writing lyrics, coming up with dances and choreography, building sets and sewing costumes.

Currently, groups put in about six hours a week practicing their skits.

“The Not So Wonderful World of Diznee” is a mashup of characters, from the Evil Queen in “Snow White” to Yzma from “The Emperor’s New Groove” to Jafar from “Aladdin.” It’s a “where are they now” story that encompasses how both the good and bad Disney characters need each other.

There are even skits about the board game worlds we used to play when we were younger.

“[Our skit is about] a horrible villain steals the joy and brightness from Candyland,” said Cara Dykhuis, a senior in animal science pre-vet.

“In a mad attempt to save the land he loves, King Kandy calls a board game summit. Madness ensues as chess pieces, Scrabble tiles, Clue characters and Monopoly pieces invade Candyland looking for the missing brightness and joy.”

In any skit, there are many different roles.

“I play the role of Mr. Mint; a character who is native to Candyland,” said Ben Zelle, a freshman in agricultural business.

Some even play made-up roles.

“I play ‘creepy candy,’ which is another way of saying, ‘mutated candy that is running around destroying candy land.’ I love it because I get to crawl around on stage and kidnap people. It’s a blast!” said Dykhuis.

There’s singing, too.

“The most enjoyable part of Varieties to me has always been hearing voices come from people you would least expect,” Patrick said. “It’s a sort of Susan Boyle effect.”

But not everything comes easy.

“The most difficult aspect of Varieties is learning everything during the two hour practice, and then trying to perfect everything you learned at the next practice while learning new things,” Determan said.

Motivation during after-school practice can be difficult as well.

“As a co-chair, it’s hard to get people excited about working when they are in a group with their friends,” said Amy Peyton, junior in agricultural business.

“There isn’t a lot of down time because we are constantly working to improve our skit. The most difficult part is making sure people are enjoying the work.”

But in the end, participants say the hours spent are worthwhile.

“Varieties is a big time commitment, but it is shaping up to be totally worth it,” said Zelle.

“We hope that lots of people will come check out the show and see what ‘Varts’ is all about!”

Second cuts will be held in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union on Feb. 5 and 7. Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for the public, with a dollar increase on the day of the show.

Finals will be held Feb. 19 and 20 and will be $8 for students and $10 for the public, with a dollar increase on the day of the show.

Tickets are general admission and will be available through the Maintenance Shop box office or by phone at 515-294-8349.