'Footloose' coming to Trumpet Amphitheater
“Footloose” celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
On Friday, July 12 at 8:30 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater, Trumpet in the Land will perform its first of five performances of Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie's stage adaptation of “Footloose.”
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school, but he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend Chuck tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
With its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, which includes “Let's Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding out for a Hero,” “Mama Says,” “Somebody's Eyes,” “The Girl Gets Around” and the title song “Footloose,” the play celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
“Footloose,” directed by Joseph Bonamico, choreographed by Bart Herman and musically directed by Zachary Rusk, includes Tristen Hooks (Florida) as Ren, Olivia Aubrey (Georgia) as Ariel, Vanessa Falzarano (New Jersey) as Rusty and Chester Boffo (New Philadelphia) as Willard. Rev. Shaw Moore, Vi Moore and Chuck Cranston are portrayed by Bart Herman, Shannon McCullough-McKee and Ethan Parrish.
Supporting cast members include Noah Beachy, Nathaniel Cochran, Cadence Corcoran, Kyra Ditto, Jacob Granado, Tyler Ferrebee, Dawn Furniss, Anthony Harbert, Trenton Huff, Don Irven, Madison Kearney, Emma Lesiecki, Kaylyn Marlatt, Zoe McConaha, D.J. Miller, Levi Rubio, Max Schrader and Palmer Witt.
Performances of “Footloose” will be July 12, 20 and 26 and Aug. 2 and 10 at 8:30 p.m. in the Trumpet in the Land Amphitheatre. Ticket are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $18 for youth and $10 for children and can be purchased by calling the Trumpet in the Land box office at 330-339-1132.