Casting information coming soon

〰️

See performing arts for more details

〰️

Casting information coming soon 〰️ See performing arts for more details 〰️

Plot outline

It’s High School Musical crossed with Grease and set in the decade of tuunneess! Back to the 80's tells the story of the senior class of William Ocean High School, as remembered through the eyes of now thirty-something Corey Palmer. Seventeen-year-old Corey is madly in love with his next-door neighbor, Tiffany Houston, one of the coolest girls in the school, but she is too busy mooning over Michael Feldman, the hottest guy around. Michael and his friends are athletic and good looking — the kind of guys that Corey and his two best friends dream of being. However, while they may not be the coolest guys in school, they are still one up on Feargal McFerrin, III, whose best friend is his computer and who believes the crazy notion that one day, CDs will replace cassette tapes.

Throw in a Star Wars dream sequence, high-energy dance routines, the obligatory 80s party scene, copious amounts of blue eyeshadow, twenty cans of hairspray, as well as some of the most popular songs ever written, and the result is a musical that will not only delight and amuse audiences of any age, but will also inspire any young cast. Back to the 80's is a high-energy musical with contemporary flair that will certainly fill the seats.

cast and characters

  • Corey Palmer Junior – the teenage protagonist, secretly in love with Tiffany.

  • Corey Palmer Senior – narrates the story, looking back on his school days.

  • Tiffany Houston – Corey’s love interest, sweet and popular, but dating Michael.

  • Michael Feldman – the school’s arrogant, handsome jock and Corey’s rival.

  • Feargal McFerrin III – the nerdy, eccentric science geek

  • Cyndi Gibson – Tiffany’s loyal friend.

  • Mel Easton – another popular girl, part of Tiffany’s circle.

  • Kirk Keaton – one of Michael’s friends, sporty and CONFIDENT.

  • Huey Jackson – Corey’s loyal best mate.

  • Alf Bueller – another of Corey’s friends, more of a comic character.

  • Laura Wilde – Tiffany’s friend, often paired in subplots.

  • Debbie Fox – part of Tiffany’s group, bubbly.

Ensemble

  • classmates

  • cheerleaders

  • jocks

  • nerds

  • dancers

song list

  1. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

  2. Kids In America

  3. Girls Just Want To Have Fun

  4. We Built This City

  5. Mickey

  6. Video Killed The Radio Star

  7. Believe It Or Not

  8. Morning Train (9 to 5)

  9. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

  10. You Give Love A Bad Name

  11. You Give Love A Bad Name (Reprise)

  12. Man In The Mirror

  13. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now

  14. Love Shack

  15. Total Eclipse Of The Heart

  16. Walking On Sunshine

  17. Get Outta Me Dreams (Get Into My Car)

  18. Centerfold

  19. Lost In Your Eyes

  20. Never Gonna Give You Up

  21. Material Girl

  22. Don't Worry Be Happy / Come On, Eileen

  23. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Reprise)

  24. (I've Had) The Time Of Me Life

  25. Back To The 80's Megamix!

other information

Style and Themes

  • It’s deliberately fun and over-the-top, celebrating 80s clichés (big hair, neon clothes, pop culture references).

  • Comedy is a big part of it, but there are also heartfelt moments, particularly around Corey’s unrequited love and Feargal’s nerdy outsider perspective.

It’s often performed in schools because it has:

  • Large principal cast size (plenty of roles for students).

  • Large Ensemble roles

  • Familiar music that engages audiences.

  • Light-hearted but relatable teenage themes.

  • Parents and audience love the 80's throwbacks