In “Back to the 80s” production Nov 4 and 6, Fennimore High School told the story of the graduating class of William Ocean High School as they made it through their senior year, experiencing the fun, the heartbreak, the loves and the loneliness of growing up—all set to the biggest musical hits of the 1980s.

“Back to the 80s” was directed by Tonia Schildgen and Lisa Evans. Technical director was Cory Bussan; orchestra director was Larry Albrecht, and choreography was done by Schildgen. Cleo Ware helped costuming and props.

The cast included:

Corey Jr.—Aaron Swan; Tiffany Houston—Sydney Whitaker; Eileen Reagan—Erika Trefz; Corey Sr.—Everett Schwer; Michael Feldman—Nick Varela; Mr. Cocker—Brandon Whitish; Miss Brannigan—Lyndsey Biddick; Feargal McFerrin—Kyle Lange; Laura Wilde—Rachel Vogt; Debbie Fox—Kirsten Henry; Alf Bueller—Jared Yanna; Kirk Keaton—Logan Udelhofen; Cyndi Gibson—Hannah Cox; Mel Easton—Breanna Frazier (Friday), Amberly Solorzano (Sunday); Kim Easton—Beth Zoromski; Billy Arnold—Ryan Ashmore; Lionel Astley—Trevor Lyster; Huey Jackson—Joe Heberlein; featured singers—Gregg and Trent Davis; DJ announcer—Derek Freymiller and Tyler Tollefson.

Chorus members included:

Mariah Ackerman, Samantha Ackerman, Alyssa Campbell, Johnathan Carl, Jackson Duff, Breanna Frazier, Taylor Henkel, Rachel Howell; Brienna Hunt, Sherry Kelly, Mariah Kreul, Kia Leffler, Sydney Linneman, Chyanne Mercer, Amanda Millin, Rayna McClaren, Kylie Mullen, Brooke Samuelson, Jackie Schroeder, McKenna Shea, Amberly Solorzano, Shanda Strack, and Beth Zoromski.

Many other students, staff and community members helped make the production a success through playing in the pit orchestra and for supporting the cast offstage.

The musical was written by Neil Gooding with additional material by Stuart Smith. Revised orchestrations and arrangements were by Brett Foster. The original music adaptation was by Scott Copeman. It was presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International.