The two hours or more I spent watching the Taree High School musical Back to the ‘80s on Saturday night (June 25) were with a massive smile on my face.
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As a child of the ‘80s and with a soft spot for the music of that decade, I was more than a little excited to see what my former high school was going to offer.
When I saw the songs Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Footloose, Mickey, Man in the Mirror and Walking on Sunshine on the song list, that was even better.
But would they deliver?
Some of the students had never acted, dance or sung before, but you couldn’t tell, and the vocals weren’t pitch perfect all the time – but it was a highly enjoyable piece of musical theatre and all involved can be so proud of what they achieved.
The show was set in a high school during the 1980s and follows the stories of students in their graduating year.
From crimped hair, leg warmers and fluro, through to cheesy ‘80s references and stereotypes, there were plenty of funny, silly and heartwarming moments.
Standout performers included Xavier Hunt as Corey Palmer (junior), Olivia Hollis as Tiffany Houston, Riley Hunt as Michael Feldman, Sean Hopkins as Feargal McFerrin, Kiara Hollis as Eileen Reagan, Poppy Tidswell as Cyndi Gibson, Alycia Ferguson as Miss Sheena Brannigan and Stephen Holdsworth and Mr Stevie Cocker.
But really, everyone was fantastic and there was a great energy in the hall.
The live band, which consisted of student musicians, was absolutely exceptional.
I honestly forgot I was listening to live musicians (which I think says something about the immense musical talent the school is nurturing).
Seventy students from all grades and staff worked together for six months to bring Back to the ‘80s to the stage.
It is a massive commitment.
For the cast this means learning lines, songs, choreography, putting it all together AND ensuring you attend rehearsals to work with everyone (plus plenty more).
Their hard work certainly paid off.
When the curtain fell for the last time the audience was on their feet giving the students a well deserved standing ovation – while dancing.
What a fun night, definitely worth coming out in the cold for.
Congratulations Taree High.