Port Elizabeth is in for a fun-filled 80′s revolution when an amazing cast take to the stage for the PE GS Society’s end of year show, Back to the 80′s. This juke box musical by Australian Neil Gooding is a celebration of the decade that brought us big hair, shoulder pads, Star Wars, Rubiks Cubes and Knight Rider, not to mention some fabulous music that has stood the test of time. Hit songs in Back to the 80s include; Walking on Sunshine, Kids in America, Let’s Hear it for the Boy, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), Get Outta My Dreams, Footloose, Dancin’ on the Ceiling, Man in the Mirror, Material Girl and You Give Love a Bad Name all wrapped up with a foot stomping Megamix to close the show.
Back to the 80s is a classic teenage romance set in the William Ocean High School in 1989 and told by the narrator Corey Palmer as he looks back on his school years and his quest to win the heart of his next door neighbor who, of course, is far more interested in the football star! All the characters are playfully named in homage to the singers, actors and other pop culture icons of the 80s for example, Alf Bueller, Tiffany Houston and teachers Mr Cocker and Miss Brannigan.
Marlene Pieterse of Stageworld Theatre School and multiple Showtime Director and award winner is busy running the cast through their paces with Musical Director Richard Campbell and Choreographer Bennie Gerber. GS has always been proud of their reputation for developing new talent and our Back to the 80′s cast brings together a wonderful blend of experience and exciting new faces with great energy and a passion for the stage.
Ed Rautenbach returns to Port Elizabeth from a successful stint in Cape Town to play his first GS lead as the regular kid, Corey Palmer who dreams about winning the heart of popular girl-next-door Tiffany Houston played by Charmaine Zeelie. Andrew Euan White, last seen in the innovative Stageworld production of Medea, plays his competition, cool jock and all-round bully, Michael Feldman. Arthur Daniels, who made his stage debut in Evita, takes on the role of super geek and future visionary Feargal McFerrin III with relish. Pocket powerhouse Usisipho Nteyi will wow audiences as Madonna wannabe Cyndi Gibson and new girl Eileen is played by Simmy Sityebi in her stage debut. The 2 teachers are played by Megan van Wyk and Bennie Gerber both of whom appeared in the critically acclaimed GS productions of Fiela’s Child the Musical and Corey of 2001 by Ryan Ungerer in his first outing for GS.
Back to the 80′s opens on 31st October and runs until 17th November at the Savoy Theatre. Seating will be cabaret style and group bookings for end of year functions are welcome. We hope the audience will be singing along, dressing up and having a great 80′s time! Tickets are R100 or R750 for a table of 8 and bookings are now open at Computicket. Group bookings and enquiries can be made by calling Rose Cowpar on 072 906 1977.
Some 80′s Fun:
Footloose by Kenny Loggins with Lyrics (Just in case you are going to audition and DON’T know the lyrics!)
MacGyver and an American journalist escape capture from a South American dictator.
Madonna in the 80′s
Madonna 80s
