Neuqua Valley girls and guys go totally '80s

Only a few Neuqua Valley seniors may have been born in time to glimpse the decade when Madonna and "Miami Vice" ruled the airwaves and led the fashion trends.

Even the school itself, which opened in 1997, was but a glimmer in some far-seeing school leader's eye when mall bangs and parachute pants were cool.

Yet the students are traveling back to a past they never experienced for the 2008 Variety Show, "Back to the Future: Neuqua Valley '80s Style."

The eighth incarnation of the variety show begins at 7:30 p.m. today, and at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the auditorium at school, 2360 95th St., Naperville.

Roughly 125 students will participate. The show will feature a bit of everything: bands, dance groups, acoustic and vocal performances, and a comedy act.

"It's a pretty wide range of acts that we try to mesh into this one show," co-director John Gelsomino said.

Each performance will incorporate the 1980s theme. Between acts, video screens will show pop culture clips.

Just before Thanksgiving, about 60 groups and individuals auditioned and about half were selected.

For Gelsomino, the best part about the event is watching the newcomers.

"The nice thing about the show is it gives a lot of students that don't normally get to perform a chance to," he said. "They take a lot of pride in it."

About 800 guests are expected at each of the three shows. Performances will last about two and a half hours.

Tickets, $5 per person, are for sale today during lunch periods and 45 minutes prior to the start of each show.

If you go

What: "Back to the Future: Neuqua Valley '80s Style" Variety Show

When: 7:30 p.m. today, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville

Cost: $5

Info: (630) 428-6000 or http://nvhs.ipsd.org and scroll down to "Upcoming Events"