16th Avenue Theatre's Youth Division latest musical production 'Star*Man' is a show filled with youthful energy, fantastic music, marvellous performances and a magnificent message for both young and old.

Written by Tauranga playwright Sam Martin and directed by Miller Gore, it follows Luke Starman – a lover of all things 70's but is bullied because of it – whose life takes an unexpected twist after he's hit by a car and wakes up in a 1979 discotheque.

The 'Star*Man' cast is a good example of why we should be proud of the young emerging talent we have here in Tauranga. They threw themselves into the show with wild abandonment, brought passion to their performances, and most of all, showed how much fun it is when you're up on stage.

Angus Stewart (Luke Starman) and Reece Ratcliffe (Tony) did a great job playing on the contrast between their characters which was central to the show. The performances offered by Liv Nightingale (Mandi) and Andre Liddicoat (Ziggy) was also superb.

Also a big well done to Iya Jarbadan (Drew), Holly Brebner (Gem) and John-Stephen Davern (Neil), and the chorus line of Severn Gore, Paige Gee, Aston Martin, Manny Martin and Jay Atkinson, who all got stuck in and went about their jobs perfectly.

Apologies to the lads of the cast, but the singing efforts of the leading ladies was a highlight for me, though Angus' rendition of Barry Manilow's 'Mandy' was truly remarkable in its awkward awesomeness.

Also, a special mention to Reece and John-Stephen – damn you guys can dance.

'Star*Man' presented by 16th Avenue Theatre's Youth Division is on stage until January 23.