Students at Griffith Jr./Sr. High School eagerly awaited the announcement of this year’s spring musical, with theater staff keeping them in suspense throughout the week. Head Director Jenna Parker, along with Choreographer Sara Jongsma and Vocal Director Vincent Dore, teased students by displaying posters of potential musicals in the school hallways. Each day, one option was removed, leaving only one by the end of the week: “Back to the 80’s”.

The decision sparked mixed reactions among students. Some were thrilled by the nostalgic choice, while others who had hoped for musicals like Mean Girls or Clue expressed disappointment.

With the selection finalized, auditions were held for students in ninth grade and above. Parker and Dore evaluated students based on their personalities and stage presence, while Jongsma focused on their ability to quickly learn choreography, a key factor in determining leading and supporting roles.

Rehearsals are now underway, with the cast meeting on weekdays to refine choreography and vocals. As the performance approaches, Soft Tech Week will provide an opportunity for crew members to work with equipment while the cast completes full run-throughs and fine-tunes their performances. During Tech Week, final adjustments will be made to ensure a seamless production for both actors and crew members.

“Back to the 80’s” is set to hit the stage on April 25-27, promising an energetic and nostalgic experience for audiences.