‘Back to the 80s’: the ecstatic, nostalgic musical, as performed by our very own GW students.

 

A low murmur of excitement builds as the lights go down. The steady, metronomic chugging of ‘Kids in America’ starts off the show. Despite the darkness, I can sense the anticipation of three hundred audience members watching with delight. The song is in full swing now. A simple, “4-to-the-floor” drum beat never fails to get the crowd clapping along. As the first tune comes to an end, an ear-splitting applause deafens us. We’re in for a long night.

 

Based in an American high school in the late 1980s, ‘Back to the 80s’ is a story no doubt relatable to many, parents and students alike. It is a story of life and (as we all know too well) how quickly it moves along.

 

Something I pick up on is the investment the audience has in the characters. It brings a smile to my face to hear the crowd shouting with glee at the successes of the extraordinarily likeable character of Corey Palmer, the protagonist. 

 

Act 2 begins with a belter in ‘We Are the World’. Even I, who has seen this countless times in rehearsals, am mesmerised by the aesthetic lighting and genius choreography – not to mention, of course, the positively angelic vocal performance from the cast.

 

But the real highlight of the show is the triumphant encore of ‘Footloose’ followed by a heartfelt speech from Mr. Lima, which brings everybody in the room close to tears. 

 

All in all, ‘Back to the 80s’ was a complete success. It hopefully brought back childhood memories in parents and grandparents (and any other oldies), in the form of great music. It showcased the immense talent of GW, and proved that the performing arts no longer needs to be something inferior to the more academic subjects.