Graphic by Yujin Kim ’23/The Choate News
Chicago-born city kid Ren McCormack loves to party and dance. However, financial troubles force him and his single mother to move to a small Midwestern town, where he learns that dancing and “Rock ’n’ Roll” are illegal. Through his struggle to fit in and bring spirit back into this lifeless town, he meets dopey farmboy Willard Hewitt, rebellious teenager Ariel Moore, and her best friend Rusty the Romantic. Together, will they find a way to face Reverend Shaw Moore’s power and overcome all that they’ve lost? Come see Footloose on the Paul Mellon Arts Center (PMAC) Main Stage on May 19, 20, or 21 to follow these characters on their journey to hope, love, freedom, and forgiveness.
Footloose will be loud, raucous, and exciting. Filled with incredible dancing, it is guaranteed to have audiences grooving in their seats. “It’s a story of freedom — freedom through dance,” said Gavin Doak ’22, who is playing Ren McCormack. Jordan Dodd ’25, who is playing Cowboy Bob, said, “The audience will be starstruck when they see this amount of talent put into this two-hour show.”
The musical, which follows the same storyline as the 80s cult classic film of the same name, uses songs from the movie soundtrack in addition to new songs created solely for the stage. The combination of new songs and famous 80s jams (including “Holding out for a Hero,” “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” “Footloose,” and more) creates a performance that will be nostalgic for some while still holding an element of surprise. “Most of the songs in the movie were background music or commentary on what was happening. Now [in the musical], they’re using the music to actually further the story,” said Director Ms. Deighna DeRiu.
Most of the cast and crew agree that the best part of the production is the dynamic energy and diversity within the cast, which consists of 40 students across all grade levels. “I just think it’s a fantastic ensemble. Everyone works with each other and feeds off of each other’s energy,” said Assistant Director Mrs. Carol Jones. Ensemble member Candace Beverly ’25 agreed that although the group is silly and loves to joke around, they are serious when it comes to their work. “I see people practicing songs and dance combinations in the hallways, but then also cheering others on when it’s their time to shine.”
The performers’ strengths lie in different areas — there are experienced dancers who have never done theater, and, on the contrary, skilled actors who have never danced in their life. “There’s such a good mix of people, different skill sets, talents, and what people specialize in,” said Stage Manager Lara Stone ’21. Christian Castro ’21, who is playing Reverend Shaw Moore, exclaimed, “The choreography is HARD.” Many other cast members agree with Castro that the difficult choreography and limited rehearsal time has been the most challenging part of the rehearsal process.
Castro highlighted that the characters in Footloose will resonate deeply with current Choate students. “This is one of the first productions we’ve done where you can actually relate to the characters — the [teenage experience] and just the whole idea of being forced by older people that don’t have the same ideas as times change.” The story revolves around young people fighting power in order to make change, much like what is happening in the world now. Dodd added that the characters are not only relatable but quite lovable and complex as well. “It’s a tearjerker, really. [The characters] are all so heartfelt. It’s so interesting to watch the characters unfold, learn, and grow.”
Describing the characters in the show, Ms. DeRiu said, “The show starts, and the Reverend has an opinion, and Ren has an opinion, and Ariel has an opinion, and you can side with each of them at some point.” Although the characters start out fixated on their own perspectives and desires, she explained that audiences will watch them grow and evolve as the show goes on.
Footloose possesses a unique balance of “a hell of a lot of fun,” said Beverly, and “a story of complex grief,” said Kenadi Waydmire ’21, who is playing Coach Dunbar.
“It’s magical. I don’t know why; it just is,” said Mrs. Jones. Audience members will get to enjoy both big, elaborate musical numbers and embark on a heartfelt journey. “It’s exuberant and exciting,” said Ms. DeRiu.
“It is a journey of unhealthy coping mechanisms, love, and jubilation,” concluded Stone. “I hope that by the end of it, everyone feels a cathartic happiness and taps into the energy that I know all of us are going to bring to every show.”
