Today's youth revisit 80s

The music, fashion and dance moves of the 1980s will be showcased by the Youth of Tauranga Musical Theatre tomorrow night when the curtain rises on their Electric Dreams production.

The show, scripted by Samantha Martin and directed by her 19-year-old daughter, Dyllan, tells the tale of Ben and Jennifer, two students whose chance meeting sees them caught in the middle of a vicious feud between the New Wavers and Metal heads.

Tauranga Musical Theatre president Toni Henderson says productions such as this are a great opportunity for young people to perform on stage and hone their craft.

The cast comprises 23 members aged between 9 and 16 and she says their enthusiasm has been inspiring.

"When there are young kids in a room there is always lots of energy and lots of enthusiasm.

"Sometimes you have to calm them down just a little bit but we are working hard with the youth because we believe there are lots of opportunities for them."

Henderson says former students have gone on to pursue careers in the performing arts and TMT likes to encourage and foster those aspirations.

"The Youth Theatre is very focused on developing youth and it's a fabulous opportunity for them to learn, grow, develop and balance out their skills."

The 1980s backdrop has also meant a whole new generation is learning lyrics from the era.

"It is quite neat as the kids have had to learn the songs but the older generation is going to go, 'Cool, I know the words to that'."

Legendary hits like Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Wake Me Up Before You Go Go are just a few of the songs the audience can expect.

The Fine Print

What: Electric Dreams the 80s Musical

Where: Westside Theatre, 17th Ave, Tauranga

When: January 18-26, 7.30pm.

Tickets from www.ticketdirect.co.nz,

Baycourt TicketDirect, ph 577 7188 or at the door.