Class of 85 produced by Collide Theatrical Dance at the Southern Theater

Collide Theatrical Dance has done it again. No, they have outdone themselves. Artistic Director Regina Peluso’s creation, “Class of ’85,” may be campy with an airy premise, but the quality of the dancing and singing is so good that the whole evening is just, well … like, totally tubular!

A group of wildly different high school seniors vie for prom king and queen – a nice device to get the audience, who will vote, engaged, since the cast is out schmoozing the audience before the show even begins. The crown bestowed on the winners at the end is not the point, however. What keeps us watching (besides wonderful dancing and singing) is getting inside the heads and hearts – and beyond the teenage facades – of each character.

The unfolding stories may be simple and ordinary, but they’re also basically true. These were rendered with such spirit and sensitivity, in Peluso’s choreography and in the dancers’ characterizations, that they just didn’t seem so campy after all. I think the construct slowed the show down a bit in the beginning, and Peluso’s choreography got a little repetitive; she was stretching beyond her jazz roots for the punchy and broad 80’s “look.” But, oh, they were just so good at it! Stabbing their fists, soaring into the air in adolescent frustration, throwing themselves at each other, then contracting into private moments of angst.

There were fine individual performances by all eight dancers. Renee Guittar as “Natalie, the princess” was a standout – so fluid and natural, particularly in her partnering with Jeffrey Robinson as “Fender, the rebel.” Nice chemistry between these two dancers, as well, that captured the longing and fear in their characters. This was the best dancing match of the night.

Lauren Anderson surprises with her turnabout “Tiffany the cheerleader” role. Nothing fussy or belabored about it. Just believable, that’s all. Alannah Renstrom as “Sam the outcast” never drops her tough persona, even in her tender moments.

Jami Snively as “Crissy the geek” finally gets her moment to cut loose near the end and show us her considerable skill and charm. Elander Rosser”s “Eugene the Nerd,” dancing solo to Sting’s “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” was shiny and fresh, done at a gentle pace and with simple accompaniment.

Riley Weber’s over-the-top “Drama Queen” had to be that way, of course, and Weber played it with joyful abandon. The budding relationship with “Blake the jock,” played by Lucas Meisha unfolded as sweetly as a youthful crush would. Both are strong dancers with boldly different styles.

All of this was backed up by a pro instrumental ensemble. Doug Rohde (piano), Matt Vannelli (guitar), Bob Beahen (drums) and Sean O’Hea (bass) also play characters in the school, but mostly they just play killer music beds under two powerhouse singers: Michael Hanna (the “Republican” and class president) and Deb Brown (Miss Betty Johnson). Hanna and Brown made a staggering variety of iconic songs completely their own. Any Whitney Houston song is a mountain to climb for a singer; Brown distills “How Will I Know” into pure sweetness. And after nailing songs like “Under Pressure” and ‘Busta Move” all night long, Hanna busts out at the finish line with a monster take on Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose.” Dare ya!

In the end, all of the characters struggle to come to terms with who they are – and whom they love – and when they do, they are also accepting of others. As I said, it’s a simple premise, but it’s also timeless – even immersed in the unmistakable music of the 80’s.

So, peg your jeans, rat your bangs, stuff those shoulder pads in your jacket and go have some fun. It runs through Oct. 19 at the Southern Theater.