Back to the Eighties at Crieff High School

Jul 11 2008 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

WOW, this production was a blast from the past, and, may I say somewhat disconcerting. How can the 80s possibly be ‘history’ - I definitely feel old!

Crieff High’s up tempo production of the “totally awesome” musical Back To The Eighties, was just that - totally awesome.

From the energetic opening number, the Kim Wilde classic “Kids In America” to the hair on the back of the neck raising “The Time Of My Life” (the Dirty Dancing soundtrack is always a favourite), and all the great numbers in between, this show reawakened long forgotten memories of an era filled with hope, big hair and legendary films.

Everything about this production was fantastic, from the cleverly designed set, with its oversized rubiks-cube, Club Tropicana flashing sign, and simple, but exceptionally clever back drop, which was a year book with turning pages, each depicting the setting for a different scene.

The lighting set the atmosphere well, with plenty of colour and disco lights, as did the “period” costumes (oh I feel old again), make-up and big hair dos.

Then there were the young actors and actresses, fresh faced and full of enthusiasm, coupled with the right amount of attitude to carry off their various roles with great professionalism.

There isn’t enough room to name all of the chorus - but each and everyone added greatly to the show and one or two even appeared on roller-skates helping to take us back to that by-gone age!

Then we have the principles who played the members of the graduating class of William Ocean High School in the USA.

The tale is told through the eyes of the grown-up Corey Palmer (Nicky Adam) who reflects: “I just love looking back on my memories.”

The “mature” Corey takes the audience on a journey stepping back to his 17th year, when he was a senior at school, and madly in love with the girl next-door Tiffany Houston (Rachel White).

One of the clever devices by the script writer of this show is to use as many famous names from the 80s as possible - as you will soon see.

However, Tiffany is too busy swooning over Michael Fieldman (Keir Rodan), the coolest guy in school. Producing a storyline fitting of any ‘80s chick flick.

Also in the class is the “nerd” Feargal McFerrin III (Lauren Davidson) a child of the information age who believes CDs will eradicate tapes and is friends with someone called Bill Gates.

Mixed into this are the many classmates including the “in girls” Kim Easton (Emily Bond), Mel Easton (Racheal Wilson) and Cyndi Gibson (Arlene Cumming); the new girl Eileen Reagan (Laura Caldwell); Michael’s side kicks Lionel Astley (Pete Carson) and Billy Arnold (Daniel Welch); Corey’s mates Alf Bueller (Stefan Brzeski) and Kirk Keaton (played by Jamie Roxburgh and Robert Paterson); and the not so popular girls Laura Wilde (Tilly Wilton) and Debbie Fox (Amelia Baylor).

Plus class teachers Mr Cocker (Douglas Clark) and Miss Brannigan (played by both Alice Jones and Charli Brzeski), who have their own problems, especially when Mr Cocker finds out that Miss Brannigan has been a centrefold.

All the action is told through the songs of the time: “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”, “Video Killed The Radio Star”, “Man In The Mirror” and “Material Girl” to name but a few.

A mention must be given to the amazing ensemble singing in “We Are The World” and Alice Jones’ incredible performance of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” which equalled anything Bonnie Tyler could have done.

Filled with great singing and some superb choreography this was a truly memorable show and directors Vicki Cooper and Chris Jones and the entire production crew and cast, deserve all the plaudits going.