In 2007 Vicki Smith created the 'ShowStoppers' with about 20 performers.  After two years of directing Vicki turned the torch over to Joanne DeWilde, who has continued to successfully direct and choreograph the group. The South County ShowStoppers are in their 10th year and going strong. The group is comprised of more than 40 volunteer senior citizens who perform variety shows with singing, dancing & comedy.  Among the costumed performers are comedians, guitar and keyboard players, belly dancers, line dancers, tap and hula dancers. There are male and female singers, plus the 'group singers' called the "Harmony Grits".   With ages ranging from 60 to 94 years young, all are energetic, enthusiastic and each share a commitment to oneself as well as to the community. The number and types of acts in a show is determined by the client’s needs.  New acts are constantly being added to the group’s repertoire.  As a result, every show is unique. The South County ShowStoppers' motto is, "We Aspire to Inspire before we Expire".Their reputation has grown tremendously and they’ve entertained at a large number of venues, including nursing homes, assisted living homes, senior centers, luncheons, county fairs and more. Phone calls keep coming in for show requests and the ShowStoppers are booked well in advance every year. The ShowStoppers gained County and Statewide recognition in 2011, as they were honored for their outstanding contributions in the field of aging & quality of life for senior citizens. The ShowStoppers are the winners of the 4th Annual Governor’s Leadership in Aging Award for the Performing Arts.

In 2017, Governor Hogan presented the Governor's Citation Award to the ShowStoppers and County Executive,  Steven Schuh, presented the Executive Citation to  the ShowStoppers. 

The South County Senior Center is still closed due to the pandemic but the ShowStoppers have been rehearsing in the parking lot....with masks and six feet apart.  See the photos above.

The ShowStoppers will be performing again outside at several Independent/Assisted Living Facilities in September/October 2020.  

All proceeds from the autumn ShowStopper shows will be given to a few needy families in the area.

Governor of the State of Maryland to the Showstoppers:

A well-deserved tribute to honor and applaud a decade of successful performances by the 'Showstoppers" and to commend the South County Senior Center for its outstanding contribution to the community....in appreciation of the efforts of this talented group to provide entertainment and fun for audiences of all ages; and as our citizens join together in expressing our congratulations and best wishes for continued success.

County Executive, Steven Schuh and the citizens of Anne Arundel County, congratulate the South County ShowStoppers on their 10th Anniversary. We thank you for sharing your talents with senior activity center members and community associations throughout the County.  We are grateful for the heart and soul you put into each and every performance.

See Citations below