Totally Awesome 1980s to Hit Summit Academy Stage
Jan 26, 2016 09:14AM ● By Julie Slama
By Julie Slama | [email protected]
Draper - About 40 Summit Academy seventh- and eighth-grade students will perform the musical “Totally Awesome ‘80s” and groove to top chart hits like Madonna’s “Material Girl” and Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” in the tribute to the 1980s decade.
The show will be performed at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19 and again, Monday, Feb. 22 at Summit Academy’s stage, 1225 East 13200 South in Draper. General admission ticket prices are $5 for adults, $4 for students or $15 for a family and are available in advance in the school office or at the door.
“I always look for something they like and can have fun with and this has been a good way to bring parents and students together with wearing their clothes or learning about their hairstyles,” director Aimee Rohling said.
Leg warmers, big hair, preppy looks, and other iconic and MTV influences will be revealed in the storyline that reminds audiences of the ‘80s teen “brat pack” movies, she said.
In the two-hour musical, Allie is a poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for the new guy, Andrew, who’s rich. Allie’s childhood friend, Dempsey, is afraid to reveal his true feelings for Allie and tries to get her attention by hiring cool girl Madison to pretend to be his girlfriend. But Madison falls for Dempsey, creating new problems. Meanwhile, the geeky Geo is desperately trying not to be pummeled by tough guy Tyson, and Brenda is just hoping that someone, anyone, will remember her 16th birthday. On top of everything, Allie and all of her friends are trying to keep Mrs. Keating, their cool teacher with unconventional teaching methods, from being fired.
Songs from Foreigner, Twisted Sister, Queen, Kiss as well as songs from the musical, “Footloose” are featured in the musical. The original music and lyrics in the musical are by Bill Francouer.
Summit Academy’s music director is Alan Larsen and along with Rohling, who choreographed the show, Shannon Sanchez is a guest choreographer.
Auditions were held in October, and rehearsals have been ongoing with two or three times each week for an hour or two.
“We’re looking to give our students a performance they can have fun with and be confident with, and provide the audience a fun experience with great, timeless songs,” Rohling said.
