THE sounds and moves of 1980s icons like Michael Jackson echoed around the corridors of Emmaus College this week as students lined up in droves to audition for the 2018 school musical.
Back to the 80s is tells the story of the 1989 graduating class of fictitious William Ocean High, and with an enormous cast of characters it’s the perfect choice for a school with a great track record in the performing arts.
According to primary level music teacher Codie Ellis, the school community was very excited about the musical.
“The kids are really looking forward to it, and for the first time ever we’re having primary school students involved,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to attracting a bigger audience with a bigger cast and having more students involved. There’ll be lots of colour, and lots of costumes.”
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1980s hits on offer
The 2016 school musical was a very successful production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. and the May, 2018 journey to a thirty-year-old musical era will be a distinct departure.
“You forget how little these kids know about the Eighties,” Ms Ellis said.
“We were talking about 1980s music in class and my primary school kids were blown away by Michael Jackson and all these other stars, so I thinks it’s going to be great to bring that alive again.
“We had an Eighties-themed school disco, and our school jam club was doing Man in the Mirror, so we’ve been trickling in this Eighties theme for a little while now.
“There’s a lot of hits in the show. There’s Kids in America and Mickey, Video Killed the Radio Star and Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
According to Ms Ellis, the biennial Emmaus College school musical is a collaboration between staff and students.
“You see these students coming in at the beginning that may never have even considered a performing arts career, who leave the musical with new found confidence and self esteem.
“By the end, they’re just a big family.”
Back to the 80s will play in May, 2018 at the Emmaus College Lomandra Hall.
