‘Back to the 80s’ makes you want to get up and dance

Girls (and guys) who just want to have fun should head to West Chester East s production of "Back to the 80 s." When I walked in the theater, I was a little skeptical about two hours of old music, but the evening was a total blast. The show will make you want to dust off your parents old albums.

"Back to the 80 s" by Neil Gooding is a jukebox musical with a mix of pop songs from the 80 s. It tells the story of Corey Palmer, who reflects on his senior year with its mix of cool guys, popular girls, nerds, teachers, and outcasts. The show s plot is intentionally silly and contrived; the story is just a framework on which to hang the songs.

The "Back to the 80 s" energetic cast made everyone in the audience want to get up and dance. The production numbers were very polished, thanks to what must have been extensive rehearsal time. The huge cast never missed a beat, staying in synch and making the dance transitions look smooth and natural. All cast members conveyed distinct personalities, staying in the characters they created even during scene changes.

While the show featured many great actors, a few stood out. Alexa Ellis, as Cyndi Gibson, gave Madonna a run for her money with her rendition of Material Girl. Ellis continued to shine every time she hit the stage, even when she was part of the ensemble. Tommy Iacono s enthusiasm and comic timing transformed Corey Palmer from a straight man to a crowd-pleasing lead.

Playing a clique of nerdy girls, Dianna Robinson, Samantha Fenimore, and Erin Nucifora were so hilarious and dynamic in Walking on Sunshine that I didn t want them to leave the stage. John Vincent Saddic really put himself out there with his passionate promposal in Never Gonna Give You Up; how could she have said no?

The backstage work was very strong. The lighting design was particularly effective, clearly illuminating the actors but also enhancing the funky mood with creative touches. The scene changes were seamless. The detail on the blackboard prop was evocative of high school and really funny.

West Chester East s "Back to the 80 s" cast was clearly thinking Nothing s Gonna Stop Us Now when they took the stage last night. Nothing did.