Comparison: Theatre-on-the-Hill’s Back to the 80s (Original Song List)

It is no secret that Theatre-on-the-Hill’s latest summer endeavor was the jukebox musical: Back to the 80s. Originally created in 2004 in Sydney, Australia written by Neil Gooding with original musical adaptation by Scott Copeman, Back to the 80s features pop songs and music from the 80s. Knowing this, I decided to take the time to breakdown all the songs as listed on the original website and provide a U.S. release date with additional notes (if necessary). Also where available I have included music videos of the songs from YouTube:

Song Title Original Artist Year Released Notes
ACT ONE
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go Wham! 1984 Recorded 1984
Kids In America Kim Wilde 1982 Recorded 1980
Girls Just Want To Have Fun Cyndi Lauper 1983 Recorded 1983
Footloose Kenny Loggins 1984 Recorded 1983
Mickey Toni Basil 1982 Recorded 1981
** Note: Mickey was originally a cover for Kitty by Racey that was released in 1979.
Video Killed the Radio Star The Buggles 1979 Recorded 1979
** Note: Video Killed the Radio Star was widely known as the first music video to premiere on MTV in the U.S. in 1981 despite the video having been released in the U.K. in 1979.
Believe It or Not Peter Cetera 1981 Theme Song: The Greatest American Hero
Let’s Hear It For The Boy Deniece Williams 1984 Recorded 1984
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) The Proclaimers 1993 Recorded 1988; Released 1988 in U.K.
** Note: Since it was released in the U.K. in 1988 it fit the 80s fold, however it was not officially released in the U.S. until 1993.
You Give Love A Bad Name Bon Jovi 1986 Recorded 1986
Man In The Mirror Michael Jackson 1988 Recorded 1987
ACT TWO
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now Starship 1987 Recorded 1986
Love Shack The B-52s 1989
Total Eclipse of the Heart Bonnie Tyler 1983 Recorded 1982
Walking On Sunshine Katrina and the Waves 1985 Recorded 1983 / 1985
Get Outta My Dreams
(Get Into My Car) 		Billy Ocean 1988 Recorded 1987
Centerfold J. Geils Band 1981 Recorded 1981
Lost in Your Eyes Debbie Gibson 1989 Recorded 1988; Released 1988 in the U.K.
Never Gonna Give You Up Rick Astley 1987 Recorded 1987
Material Girl Madonna 1985 Recorded 1984
Don’t Worry, Be Happy Bobby McFerrin 1988 Recorded 1988
Come on Eileen Dexy’s Midnight Runners 1982 Recorded 1981 / 1982
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life Bill Medley /
Jennifer Warnes 		1987

Related posts:

  1. Comparison: Theatre-on-the-Hill’s Back to the 80s (Adjusted Song List)
  2. Review: Theatre-on-the-Hill’s Back to the 80s
  3. Comparison: Les Miserables Complete Song List
  4. Comparison: TOTH’s Den of Thieves (three weekends later)
  5. Reflection: Zenobia the Original Musical Production Coming 2013