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  • Sam Moffatt and Sydney Henricks perform during rehearsal for Duncan Little Theatre's production of "Back to the '80s." Derrick Miller/The Duncan Banner

    Moffatt, Henricks get in the groove of the '80s
February 14, 2013

Moffatt, Henricks get in the groove of the '80s

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — Sydney Henricks and Sam Moffatt may have not been alive in the 1980s, but that doesn’t mean they can’t bring the ‘80s to life.

The Duncan High School seniors are sharing the spotlight in the high school-based musical (no, not “High School Musical”) “Back to the ’80s,” a Duncan Little Theatre production centered on a group of high school students in their senior year in the 1980s. The musical will run at 7:30 p.m. over four nights/two weekends, beginning this Friday, Saturday; and then again Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 at the Simmons Center Theatre.

“The high school experience is so relatable to any decade,” Henricks said.

From high school crushes to excitement over pop culture, the story revolves around the character Cory Palmer as he reflects on his high school years. Eric Hennan plays the older Palmer, while Moffatt portrays the high school version.

Many of the names of the characters are based on ‘80s pop culture, from Corey Palmer (Corey Feldman and Corey Haim) to Henricks’ character Tiffany Houston (Tiffany and Whitney Houston).

While this may be their first experience in the 1980s (unless you consider movies they’ve watched throughout their lives), Moffatt and Henricks aren’t strangers to the musical genre. Both have taken part in other DLT musical productions, from 2007’s “Oklahoma!” to last year’s “The Music Man.”

Both agree musicals are fun because they’re products of a lot of hard work paying off.

“Being in a musical, there’s so much to do,” Henricks said. “But it all comes together.”

Moffatt said this musical is different than previous DLT experiences because they’re taking lead for this year’s production. In the past, they have worked as background characters.

But being long-time friends, starring in this musical together gives them room to grow in their characters, while receiving feedback on how to improve.

Moffatt said the high school-based theme has helped him develop his character. He said the character was relatable and was easy to slip into.

“It’s my high school experience,” Moffatt said.

Although Henricks and Moffatt are taking lead in this musical, they are also busy with their high school careers. In fact, both are getting ready for competition through the Vocal Music Department at the Duncan High School.

Their work on that choreography is just added to the choreography they’re having to work on for “Back to the ’80s.” Additionally, Henricks is also a dance choreographer for Hodgson Studio.

“Once I get tired, I feel like it’s going to get jumbled,” Henricks said. “But it’s all so different. It’s easy to keep it separate.”

As with other DLT productions, “Back to the ’80s” is made possible with a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council. Tickets can be ordered through DLT or purchased at the box office performance nights.

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