BACK TO THE 80s Premieres at Playhouse South, 11/6

Were you around when video killed the radio star? Do you remember when Donkey Kong and Pac Man were the height of video game technology, Molly Ringwald and Rick Astley were, like, totally awesome, and you could buy Michael Jackson's Thriller as a record? If you lived through it or if you want to experience it, Playhouse South will provide the experience this November to the Dayton/Cincinnati area premier of the new musical, Back to the '80's.

The show chronicles the senior year of Corey Palmer, (played by Tim Stiffler-Dean) who, now in his late thirties, graduated from William Ocean High in 1989. Highlighting Corey's memories are lively renditions of eighties favorites like "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," "Love Shack," and "Man in the Mirror." The result is a sometimes campy, sometimes cruel, often hysterical look at what it was like to grow up in a time when cell phones were brick-sized, the Berlin wall was cracking, and MTV was brand new.

Director Jim Brown says, "I was really intrigued by the idea of using 80's music within the context of a musical production. When I read the script, I was taken with the humor throughout, especially when offset by some very real characters struggling to find themselves as youths."
A trip back to the eighties obviously hit a note in the community, as evidenced by the many talented young people who auditioned for the show. "I love the eighties," says Mary Bouschard, who plays Tiffany Houston, Corey's would-be girlfriend. "I dress eighties, I sing eighties music while I'm getting ready in the morning, I wish I had grown up in the eighties!"
Fellow cast member Melody Vanderkolt, who plays the not-so-popular Debbie Fox, agrees: "Eighties music makes me happy."

It's hard not to be happy surrounded by the more than 35 energetic kids who make up the cast. "We really wanted to work with this age group because they're so enthusiastic," says Becki Norgaard, Playhouse South Board member and Back to the 80's Stage Manager.
"In fact," adds Brown, "the enthusiasm of so many people has been logistically difficult to corral." But, when they are not busy cramming homework in between scenes or joking with each other backstage, these talented kids will make you want to Moonwalk or do the Robot right along with them.

Back to the '80's represents Playhouse South's continuing progress in offering high-caliber theater to the south Dayton communities. "Just a few years ago," says Brown, "I would've been reluctant to tackle something like this, as we lacked the physical, monetary, and human resources necessary to put on a show of this magnitude. However, through the ongoing efforts of The Playhouse South community, we have been able to attract and retain a significant number of talented, motivated individuals. These people, combined with the solid core of Playhouse South veterans, have helped move us towards consistently improving the quality of the productions that hit our stage."
Jim Brown is assisted in direction by Rob Breving, with Musical Direction by Charles Penird; Choreography by Jill Proudfoot, Stephanie Schubert, Lindsey Sherman, and Lisa Glover; and Technical Direction by Jason Vogel.

Performances run November 6th through 22nd, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM and Sundays at 2:00PM. Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors and $7.00 for students and can be purchased at the box office prior to the shows or in advance by phone at (888) 262-3792 up to 24 hours before the show.

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