From the moment the first notes of “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” echoed through the auditorium, it was clear St. Clair Theater wasn’t just putting on a musical; they were hosting a totally tubular time-traveling party. This year’s production of Back to the 80s proved to be a rousing success, blending high-energy jukebox hits with a heartfelt story of teenage heartbreak and triumph.
The production set a new milestone for the department with a record-breaking 70 students involved, including a cast of 58 and a dedicated crew of 12. Led by Directors Gottberg and Winkelman, the show served as a vibrant curtain call for the program’s largest senior class (15) in recent memory.
The show opens in the early 2000s with the narrator, Corey Palmer (played by Henry Topp), looking back on his senior year. The stage quickly explodes into a sea of denim and neon as the cast transports the audience to the decade of big hair and even bigger synthesizers.
Leading the comedic charge is Vincent Bowes as the lovable geek Feargal McFerrin III, whose thick-rimmed glasses and suspenders are only matched by his unwavering belief that compact discs will one day replace cassettes.
The political stakes are high as class president elections take center stage. Ben Terry, playing Palmer in his youth, leans into the nostalgia by dressing as Marty McFly, complete with a scooter and impressive stage tricks. His rival, the popular and brash jock Michael Feldman (played by WIlliam Wellmann), commands the room with a “Hey, Mickey!” tribute featuring Spartan cheerleaders and a rap verse accompanied by Max Wilson’s beatboxing.
Musical highlights of the first act included a spirited “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” led by the vocal powerhouses Julianna Rasmussen and Jacelynn Carpenter, and a testosterone-fueled rendition of “We Built This City” featuring air guitars and headbanging. A particularly charming touch was the performance of Janessa Carstensen and Meg Young, who played twin sisters delivering their lines in perfect, eerie unison.
As the act drew to a close, the romantic tension peaked. While Corey (Terry) and Michael (Wellmann) “proclaimed” their love in a hilarious over-the-top “500 Miles” face-off, Rasmussen’s character, Tiffany, ultimately chose the popular jock, leaving Corey to nurse his wounded heart to the rocky strains of “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
The second act opened with a powerful ensemble number, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” signaling a shift toward the looming reality of graduation. A whirlwind of retro fashion and neon light transformed the stage for a “Love Shack” dance contest soon became perfectly balanced by a moment of soulful reflection, as Cole Wilson took the spotlight to deliver a stirring, baritone-led rendition of “Man in the Mirror.”
One of the night’s most visually stunning moments belonged to Carpenter. During “Material Girl,” she underwent a lightning-fast costume change into an elegant pink dress and white gloves, being carried across the stage by a pack of tuxedoed classmates like a prize. But the 80s wouldn’t be complete without a hero’s journey. After being pushed around all year, Bowes’ character Feargal finally stood his ground. In a nod to The Karate Kid, he utilized a perfectly executed crane kick to defeat Wellmann’s character, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The show culminated in the iconic Dirty Dancing finale, “The Time of My Life,” featuring the famous lift as Terry and Rasmussen took center stage. While the narrator reveals that the characters didn’t necessarily stay together forever, the ending was a jubilant celebration of their journey together. Post-show, Director Gottberg offered high praise for the team behind the scenes, specifically highlighting Isaac Coudron for his masterful tech work in the booth and Hunter Winkler for his fight choreography.
A significant part of the show’s success can be attributed to Terry, whom many in the program describe as the spark plug of St. Clair Theater. His comedic timing and infectious energy have defined the program for years. Reflecting on his time on stage, Terry shared, “My time has been absolutely not wasted. I met so many amazing people that became my family. Theater facilitates love and passion and I’d do it all over again.” When asked what advice he would give to prospective students, Terry was simple and direct: “Life is too short not to try theater and have fun on stage. We had so many new seniors try out this year, and that’s just an amazing thing we can all share.”
As the neon lights dim on Back to the 80s, the St. Clair Theater program looks forward to its next act, fueled by the momentum of its biggest production yet.
