Back to the 80’s

Murray Music and Drama Club’s Back to the 80’s is a jukebox musical, billed as “totally awesome”, which is playing to appreciative, capacity crowds at the Pinjarra Civic Centre.

Directed by Sheryl Gale in her first stint directing a musical, the show features a large, enthusiastic cast and vocal direction by Karen Godfrey. There’s loads of familiar and favourite songs and we get to enjoy authentic 80s dance moves recreated by choreographer Christina Treg.

It is impossible to mention all the performers in this large cast, but standouts included Alex Pestrucci, likeable and relatable in the central role of Corey Palmer, nicely supported by Jarrad Thomas as Corey later in life. Best friends Alf and Kirk were very nicely portrayed by Angus Thompson and a gender flipping Brylin Bonner. The featured singers worked particularly hard, while maintaining significant roles - well done to Lori Anders and Meyer Van Der Westhuizen.

The many breakthrough performers in this production include Drake Gordon in his first speaking role, and promising stage debuts for a large number of the cast including Johan Van Der Westhuizen playing the major role of bad boy Michael Feldman, as well as first community theatre appearances for Bindi Jordan, Alexis Good, Michelle Pestrucci, Chenae Good, Lindsay Evergreen and Conner Jamieson - impressive as the geeky Feragal McFerrin. Annie Bala, new to WA, made her first appearance in this state - lovely as new girl Eileen.

As someone who was a teen during the eighties, it was a lovely nostalgia trip, with the highlight being the one time that the performers sang without the backing track. A gorgeous, intimate rendition of “Be Happy”, accompanied by Alex Pestrucci’s Corey on guitar, was particularly lovely.

A nostalgia trip and a chance to check out some emerging talent, fans of 80s music will enjoy the score - and the lovely atmosphere at Murray is hard to beat.

Kimberley Shaw