In fact it’s drawing in the parents and community too – the 80s. 

Taree High School is putting on the musical ‘Back to the 80s’.

Around 70 students from years seven to 12 have been working on their vocal chords and learning dance moves since December of last year.

Musical director Melissa Cotton said some of the students have never acted, danced or sung before.

“I’d never been in a performance,” said Sean Hopkins, who will deliver a solo performance of Video Killed the Radio Star. 

Sean plays Feargal McFerrin III, a nerd, who introduces the other characters to “crazy” theories about the future and new inventions like CDs. 

“It’s been really cool, even seeing what they used to wear is crazy,” said Sean, who gets to wear brightly coloured suspenders and a bow tie for his costume. 

Poppy Tidswell, who plays popular girl Cyndi Gibson, said her character dresses like a wannabe Cyndi Lauper crossed with Madonna. “It’s pretty wild what we get to wear,” said Poppy.

Poppy has had experience in a Taree Arts Council production. She said she has really enjoyed the process of getting to put on a musical at her school.

“There’s a lot of committment. It’s going to be great,” said Poppy. 

“They’ve all come so far,” said director Melissa Cotton. 

 “It’s so nice to see so many ages and groups working so closely together. They’ve become a really tight unit.” 

Melissa said it’s called a “jukebox musical” because they are songs everyone knows. Some of the hits include Time of My Life, Love Shack and Hey Mickey. 

“It will be a lot of fun for the audience,” she added. 

Set in a 1980s high school ‘Back to the 80s’ shows all the drama of a graduating class through a collection of cheesy 80s references and hilarious stereotypes. 

It’s not only students getting in on the show. Music is being directed by music teacher Leanne Ralston and dance choreography is assisted by english teacher Kimberly Gurr. Three other musically talented teachers Steven Holdsworth, Alycia Ferguson and Beau Harper have roles in the production.

Entertainment students are also learning new production skills with teacher Peter Bull and Hamish McDonald of Paradyme Studios. Students from the support unit have helped with props and filming rehearsals. 

Melissa is thankful the community has been so supportive with parents assisting with props and costumes and Taree Arts Council loaning costumes as well.  

Students will perform five times with two matinee performances (June 22 and June 23) and three evening (June 23, 24 and 25). 

Tickets can be purchased by ringing the school on 6552 1166 or going into the office.