REVIEW: 80's Re-Lived at PRiMA Theatre

PRiMA's production of 80's Re-Lived was an entertaining cabaret/concert style performance filled with tons of energy, talent and neon. The second I entered the Chameleon Club in Lancaster, PA (where the performance was being held), I felt like I had been transported back to the 1980s. From the gigantic Rubik's cube on the stage to the ushers with big hair and bright clothes, the entire atmosphere screamed 80s party.

When the show started, the talent of this group of performers was immediately obvious. Every single member of the cast was a natural born performer. They filled the club with powerful voices, infectious energy, and pure talent. All the voices blended beautifully to provide quality duets and group numbers, covering hit after hit from Tommy Tutone's "867-5309/Jenny" to Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" and everything in between.

I was amazed at how many songs they fit into just a little over an hour of performing. In fact, one of the things I loved about this production was that the performers only sang a part of most of the songs, rather than the entire song. This allowed for them to fit even more 80s favorites into the show. (And the parts they did sing were the parts everyone loves to sing along to anyway!) The transitions from one song to the next were seamless, and there were some very creative and well-done mash-ups included.

Props were minimal, but weren't missed since the outfits and venue were enough to set the mood for the evening. The gigantic Rubik's cube on the side of the stage was the main prop, and in staying true to the 80s there was also a brief appearance by a trapper-keeper. The smaller venue allowed for the cast to sing their way through the aisle, making the audience feel even more a part of the show.  

This was my first introduction to PRiMA, and I'm so glad that I discovered them. I first heard of this Lancaster-based group a year or two ago, and after seeing this production, I'm regretting waiting until now to check them out! They've been around since 2010, and their production history includes a unique blend of performances that fit right in with my personal theatre taste, including a Tim Rice cabaret, a Billy Joel cabaret, Chess, and one of my all-time favorite musicals, Aida.

While 80's Re-Lived has finished its run, PRiMA has some great shows planned for the upcoming months. Jason Robert Brown will be taking the stage on June 22 for a master class and concert (yes, THE Jason Robert Brown!). And later this year they will be offering a "Guilty Pleasures" cabaret, a "Rockin' Rodgers and Hammerstein" cabaret, and "Oz in Concert." For more information, please visit the PRiMA website.