The show was written by Neil Gooding and debuted in 2004. Since Gooding is from Australia, it took the musical a while to become popular in other parts of the world — it has just recently been released in the United States and Canada. The story centers on the senior class of William Ocean High, specifically Corey Palmer, who, when the play begins, is competing against the coolest guy in the grade for two crucial crowns. Both he and Michael Feldman yearn for the title of senior class president and the hand of the most beautiful girl in school, Tiffany. Through flashback narration by Corey’s older self, we watch as his last year of high school unfolds through energetic song and dance numbers.

As for the lively nature of the musical, there are a few cast members who truly embody the 1980s spirit. Corey Palmer (Calvin Payne) and his friends Alf Bueller (Kelechukwu Adiele) and Kirk Keaton (Dwayne McCowan) interact fabulously with each other, and do a captivating job of personifying the time period. Michael Feldman (Nathan Battle) and his clique also keep the energy up and act quite naturally. Payne and Battle compete for Tiffany’s affection in “500 Miles” and both of their performances are strong. Outstanding geek power is found in Feargal McFerrin (Malik Mu’Min), who never lets the laughs go astray for too long. He never falters his nerdy accent, even singing in it — his performance of “Video Killed the Radio Star” is quite notable.

Among other enjoyable performers, Ms. Sheena Brannigan, played by Victoria Cherry, has uniquely strong vocal talent and beautifully conveys her teaching role as the Senior Students Coordinator at William Ocean High. Billy Arnold (Dwayne Halbert) also has an impressive voice and executes almost perfectly an impersonation of Rick Astley during “Never Gonna Give You Up,” trench coat and all.

Though missing both their guitar players, the orchestra executes the popular 80s hits to the best of their ability and never overpowers the vocalists. Lighting is adequate for the majority of the show. The makeup and clothing of the cast is clearly 80s, but could be slightly more flamboyant for attention’s sake. The set design, though simple, allows for performers to move and dance on elevated platforms, creating more visual symmetry.

Unfortunately, there were multiple difficulties with the sound; microphones cut out and/or were not balanced in regards of lead and backup singers. The sound crew sometimes adjusted accordingly to these malfunctions in order to provide a clearer listening experience. Dancing was not always lively, but was enrapturing when choreographed, as in “Footloose.”

Filled with freshman and first-timers, the cast and crew of Back To The 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical put on a bright, fun production. The energy and ensemble-feel they created with their acting generated an authentic 80s feel, and showed the audience that it truly was totally awesome.

by Anna Wermuth of Maplewood Richmond-Heights HS

The story of Inherit the Wind, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, follows a fictional story based on the Scopes Monkey Trial of the 1920s. The trial focuses on a school teacher who was arrested for teaching evolution, an act that was prohibited by law. The members of the religious community strongly opposed the theory of evolution and brought in a famous lawyer to prosecute the case. The townspeople quickly idolize him and practically shun the defense attorney. The attorneys use the argument over whether people are being granted the right to think as the basis of the trial.

Hazelwood East did a fine job in casting actors who could give these meaningful speeches. The ensemble worked as a group and showed unified emotion. The sets allowed for the audience to use their imagination in defining the setting and costumes helped define the era of the play. The music set the mood of the piece, aided by the lighting. Overall, they did a more than adequate job in all fields.

In the role of the attorney in favor of evolution, Marquise Middleton played Henry Drummond. His clear diction allowed him to show the cool logic behind his character. Drummond’s (Middleton) reason was paralleled by the religious fervor of Matthew Brady, played by Calvin Payne. The two played off each other so well that anyone in the audience could feel their emotion. Both Drummond (Middleton) and Brady (Payne) delivered their speeches very well and delivered the message of the play. Kendrick Hooks also played his role as the well-spoken reporter E.K. Hornbeck very well. Rev. Brown, a supporting character played by Malik Mumin, provided the commitment needed to not only rouse the ensemble, but the audience as well.

The ensemble groups of the congregation and the jury were a key part of the play. The church-goers displayed more than the minimal amount of energy during the sermon delivered by Rev. Brown (Mumin). They also gave the image of the heat of the setting that made the audience feel warm. The use of actors at the end of the stage made the audience part of the action, as if they were really in the court room.

In the technical realm, there were few errors, but few departments went above and beyond. The sound department made a wise decision in not using microphones. The actors were at the perfect volume and any microphones would have made them too loud. The use of music provided excellent transitions between the scenes as well. The lighting department had few errors with what they presented, however they could have been more ambitious. The costumes were period accurate and clearly showed the difference in class of the lawyers and townspeople. Lastly, the sets were basic enough to allow for easy, but occasionally slow, scene changes and give the audience a chance to use their imaginations.

Hazelwood East produced a play that was wonderful to watch as the main actors developed in their arguments. They clearly wanted the audience to wonder what was right in the argument of religion or evolution.

by Anna Weeden of Holt High School