LONDONDERRY — Though none of them were alive in the 1980s, the cast of the Kids Coop Theater's upcoming production of “Back to the '80s: The Totally Awesome Musical” had no problem getting into character.

Dressed in heavy metal concert T-shirts and puffy-sleeved prom dresses and leg warmers — and plenty of Aqua Net — the sights and sounds of the decadent decade make for one colorful theater experience.

According to co-producer Pam Rodgers, preparing for the show has truly been a labor of love, with parents and volunteers scouring the racks at Goodwill to snag some truly choice period fashions.

For Londonderry's Cailey Blatchford, singing both “Kids in America” and “Loveshack” will be a definite highlight of next month's stage performance.

“I'm so excited. I just love '80s music,” the 16-year-old said. “The '80s are definitely my favorite decade.”

The musical tells the story of the graduating class of William Ocean High School as they live through their senior year of high school in the '80s and experience the fun, heartbreak, love and the loneliness of growing up — all set to the biggest hits of the decade.

Throw in a “Star Wars” dream sequence, high-energy dance routines, the obligatory '80s party scene, copious amounts of blue eye-shadow, 20 cans of hairspray, and the result is a musical that will delight and amuse an audience of any age.

Derry dancer Sarah Rodgers, 14, said she's excited to dance to one of her all time favorite tunes — the theme from “Footloose.”

“I've heard a lot about what went on in the '80s, but it's kind of nice to sort of be able to experience it for myself,” she added.

Danville's Ben Villnave, 17, said his character, “Billy Arnold,” is “kind of an all-around cool kid, but a bit of a bully.”

Like his cast mates, he's also excited to perform to both “Footloose” and “Loveshack.”

The Londonderry-based children's theatre troupe includes performers from Londonderry, Derry, Chester, Danville, Hampstead, Hudson, Pelham and other nearby towns.

Performances of “Back to the '80s” will take place on Friday, July 20, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, July 21, at 1 and 7 p.m. at Adams Memorial Opera House in Derry.

Tickets are $12 for seniors and students, and $15 for adults. All matinee tickets are $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.kids-coop-theatre.org.

aguilmet@newstote.com