Last weekend, the Bonners Ferry Summer Youth Theater presented “Back to the 80s …the Totally Awesome Musical!”
“Back to the 80s” was chock full of hilarious scenes that brought back memories of what life was like living as a high schooler in the 1980’s. The musical portrayed all of the different clicques you would find in an
average
high school, such as the popular kids acting
cool, the nerds trying to steal some attention,
and then of course the group stuck in the middle
torn between both- but aren’t quite either.
Nonetheless, all of the aspects of high school
drama were captured in the forms of love, anger,
sadness, and laughter. The musical was written by Neil Gooding with original musical adaption by Scott Copeland. The performance included many of the popular 1980’s hits, for example “Video Killed the Radio Star,” “Walking on Sunshine” and more.
The musical director, David Carpenter, and his wife Dawn Carpenter are a pair of the reasons why productions such as this show are possible… but they are not the only two working to make this particular show a success. The beginning rehearsals for “Back to the 80s” started way back in April, but didn’t really start to be consistent until June, when school was already out. The size of the “Back to the 80s” cast is about 20, with varying ages. The group consisted mostly of high school teenagers. The youngest performer was only 11 years old, and the oldest is a past high school graduate. One cast member actually drove up here all the way from Spokane to participate in the musical. Everyone worked very hard and has been excited to share their hard-earned talents with Bonners Ferry.
Months were dedicated to this show with regards to choreography, costumes, music, and rehearsals. The
cast would like to give immense thanks to Mr.
Carpenter for directing the show and Dawn
Carpenter for the hours and hours spent on
costuming, as well as Charlie Spradlin who
worked with Dawn on costuming and fitting every
cast member. Together, David Carpenter, Charlie
Spradlin, and Abby Eliassen managed the lights,
mics, and music in the booth - a very
challenging task. McKaela Spradlin has
choreographed almost every show for Mr.
Carpenter for the past 5 years, and has done
another impeccable job with this show! The “Back
to the 80s” cast would also like to give a
special shout out to Abigail Quesnel, the music
instructor, Anita Johnson and Cassie Smith for
helping with hair and makeup, and those who
volunteer during the performances helping with
the door and baking/selling goodies.When asked why the Carpenters undertake summer theater for the youth, they responded: “Dawn and I (David) started doing summer theater in Bonners Ferry nine years ago. We recognized the need and benefit of performing arts. Both of us were performers from an early age. I truly love the performing arts and believe it can be an experience that will stay with the performers for a lifetime. As a director, I see an immense amount of potential in every one of the performers. It is so exciting for me to see a performer step outside of themselves and let the magic happen. I believe our mission statement says it best: Bonners Ferry Summer Youth Theater’s mission is to foster lifelong confidence on and off the stage. Finally, on many occasions performers/students have commented that performing has helped to increase their confidence in the classroom and beyond.”
