Webutuck drama program returns with ‘Back to the ’80s’

AMENIA — Webutuck's drama program is returning for the second year with a production of "Back to the '80s."

A cast consisting of mostly middle schoolers and one freshman will debut the throwback comedy in Webutuck's auditorium at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26. Additional performances will follow at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1.

"Back to the '80s" is a nostalgic comedy written by Dean O'Carroll following sixteen-year-old Mary Fitzfry, who gets transported back in time to 1985 when a time machine malfunctions — echoing the plot of 1985 blockbuster "Back to the Future."

Kyra Whalen, left, and Mariah Bradley show their best impressions of elderly women in their costumes for "Back to the '80s," during dress rehearsal on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Webutuck High SchoolPhoto by Nathan Miller

What follows is a reference-filled jaunt through '80s pop culture as the teen, played by Webutuck student Fiona Crow, tries to repair the time machine and return to the present day without doing anything that could change the future.

At dress rehearsal on Saturday, Feb. 21, performers buzzed with excitement as they donned their neon-splashed costumes and high-top sneakers. Some of the students had been preparing for the performance by taking in '80s movies and media.

"We watched 'Big' last night," Webutuck freshman Nolan Howard said at dress rehearsal, adding that he thought the 1988 Tom Hanks feature was a good movie.

Webutuck music and chorus teacher Kaylee Kelsey leads the production, marking her second year as the school play's director and producer. She said Webutuck hadn't had a school play in years before she rebooted the program last year.

She said the timing of the program — with rehearsals starting in late September and the performance in the first week of March — created challenges in getting high school students involved.

Webutuck music and chorus teacher Kaylee Kelsey, right, ties a black tie on Liam Diaz to complete his costume for "Back to the '80s" during dress rehearsal on Saturday, Feb. 21. Diaz is playing Jeff, the stereotypical preppy bully that stands as the main antagonist in the play, a role he said he's drawn to because of the challenges associated with being the bad guy.Photo by Nathan Miller

"It's a winter play, it's not really a spring play," Kelsey said, adding that the winter sports season, academic responsibilities and a lack of familiarity with performance contribute to the lower numbers among high school students.

So Kelsey, like last year, brought middle school students into the fold. She said at least 10 performers returned after last year's production of "Clue," bringing along friends and other inspired classmates to build a cast of 26 for this year's production.

The younger cast has its own challenges, however. "It is a bit more of a scramble," Kelsey said, but the middle school students make up for a lack of organization with excitement.