Back to the 80's tells the story of the 1989 graduating class of William Ocean High as seen through the eyes of the narrator, Corey Palmer Sr., who is now living in the year 2015. Throughout the story, Corey Sr. introduces and provides insight into various characters. The then 17-year-old Corey is madly in love with his next-door neighbor, Tiffany Houston, one of the coolest girls in the school. H
owever, she barely notices this, as she is too busy mooning over Michael Feldman, the hottest guy around. Michael and his friends are athletic and good-looking guys that Corey and his two best friends dream of being. However, while they may not be the coolest guys in school, they are still one up on Feargal McFerrin III, whose best friend is his computer, and who believes the crazy notion that one day "CDs will replace cassette tapes." The school year kicks off with the election of the senior class president. Just before elections, Michael steals Corey's election idea, which results in Michael winning. Naturally, his promise to kiss any girl that votes for him helps. Later in the year, a new girl, Eileen Reagan, joins the school. She becomes friends with Laura Wilde and Debbie Fox, whose boyfriends are in Miami on "business" Meanwhile, a math teacher, Steven Cocker (Mr. Cocker), finally gets Sheena Brannigan (Ms. Brannigan), an English teacher, to go on a date with him. As the year progresses, Corey finally racks up the courage to ask Tiffany to be his girlfriend. Unfortunately, Michael also decides to ask Tiffany. Both compete for her. In the end, Tiffany chooses Michael, much to Corey's dismay. As the weeks pass, Corey decides to bring up his forgotten idea of a school concert, and convinces Mr. Cocker to put it on. Shortly after, Mr. Cocker finds out the Ms. Brannigan was a centerfold for a swimsuit magazine and is upset that she "lied" to him. The act ends with both Mr. Cocker and Ms. Brannigan convincing the class to put on the concert. Act 2 opens up with the senior class putting on their concert for their parents. Corey, looking to gain status, puts on a party at his house, which he calls the Love Shack. However, his parents arrive home early from their trip, and Corey gets caught. Later in the year, Eileen discovers that it is Michael that has been putting love letters in her locker. Cocker, who is still thinking about the centerfold, goes completely mad. Prom is approaching, and Billy asks Cyndi Gibson to the prom, but is turned down. As another letter from Michael and the gang goes into Eileen's locker, they get caught by Eileen. Michael tells her that it was all a joke and that it wasn't that big of a deal. Tiffany, who has watched the whole thing, decides to break up with him. Feargal finally intervenes after Eileen gets in a fight with Michael and runs off the stage crying. Nearly beaten though, he asks Mr. Myagi for advice and beats Michael with a kick to the face. Tiffany later catches Corey cheering up Eileen and admits she wants to go to the prom with him, but it is too bad he is taken. Corey admits that he turned down all requests only because he would only go to the prom with her. During prom, the older Corey tells where everybody is now. The act and show concludes with everybody singing (I've Had) The Time of My Life.
