DIRECTOR'S NOTES
"Thank you all for coming to our production of Back to the 80s! We had a totally wicked time putting this show together for you. We wanted to give the show an authentic 80s feel through design and acting choices. This show pushed the students to not only research the references made in the show but also helped them understand how pop culture influenced 1980s teenagers. I’d like to thank my partner in crime, Johnathon, for all of his hard work and dedication to the show. I would also like to thank Mrs. Sarah Verona for allowing me to stretch my creative legs. To our crew – you all are rock stars; thank you! Lastly, to the cast of actors I was honored to work with: thank you for energy, your smiles, and your persistence. Break a leg!"
~Mrs. Allyson Utech, Stage Director
"Welcome to the totally Awesome Musical! Tonight get ready to take an epic journey back in time to the 80’s. The decade of people, decisions and inventions that changed our future and of course gave us the Rubik’s cube. We really had a blast taking a trip back to the 80’s together over these last few months and now we are really excited to have you join us. So please don’t just sit in your chair tonight and simply watch our show. Don’t just clap at the end of each number. GET UP AND SING! GET UP AND DANCE! YOU are a part of this musical. I would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Verona for giving me this amazing opportunity to Co Direct the musical with my partner in crime Mrs. Utech!. It’s been such an honor to work with so many talented actors who gave their every last bit of energy, passion, love and time to make this show happen. I love my cast and crew for supporting me along this journey I could have not done it without them. Now get ready to go back in time to the 80’s…. and just like my cast has done- DON’T STOP BELIEVIN!"
~Jonathon Mandujano, Stage Director
"Natalie Ford has been working in music for 36 years. This is her first production with Jefferson High School! Previous productions include Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sugar, and 'Defying Gravity' Wicked Camp. She would like to thank everyone at Jefferson for their hard work and dedication to this amazing performance and new friendship. Also, her two children, Mary and James, who she loves dearly and are the music of her life."
~Ms. Natalie Ford, Vocal Music Director
"Mariana is thrilled to be choreographing here at Jefferson High School. She participated in last years production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown as Woodstock, one of her favorite roles. She has starred in many other productions including Guilford High School's The Wiz (Glinda) and Tom Jones (Sophia Western). Her particpation extends from RPS 205 to the Rockford community where she performed with the Boys and Girls Club. She is happy to be at Rock Valley College studying to be a director. Mariana wants to thanks Mrs. Verona and Ms. Utech for this opportunity to continue her love for theatre back on Jeffersons stage. This cast has been such a joy to work with. She is so excited to see this production come to life!"
~Miss Mariana Bryant, Choreographer
