Everybody cuts loose in Heritage Academy’s upcoming production of the musical “Footloose,” set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Columbus.
About 65 students in first through 12th grades make up the cast and crew of this stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. The music is by Tom Snow and Pitchford, with additional songs by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman.
Heritage Academy (HA) Musical Director Marilyn Fields directs this dynamic story inspired by the 1984 movie of the same name.
“Audiences will love this show because it has real drama as well as humor and romance,” said Fields, whose daughter was in the cast when HA last presented “Footloose,” in 2003. Fields acted as the play’s musical director.
In the story, city boy and dance fan Ren (Jacob Swartz) thinks life just might be over when he has to move to a rural “backwater.” Things are worse than he imagined, though; the small town has banned dancing.
“The town has suffered a real tragedy, after which the people haven’t been able to move on,” Fields explained. “The Rev. Moore (Jacob Lott) has been the leader in a stance against all things fun — especially dancing!” But Moore’s daughter, Ariel (Reed Hairston), is going through a rebellious stage, and she is not alone.
“I have loved this role because it’s very different from my personality, and it’s fun to pretend on stage,” said Hairston, a junior, who portrayed Teen Angel in the HA production of “Grease.”
Senior Evie McIntyre plays Rusty, Ariel’s “spunky best friend.”
“I’ve loved playing this part and getting to sing my heart out,” said McIntyre, who last appeared as Sandy in “Grease.” “I’ve always enjoyed Heritage Academy plays and can’t wait to be on stage one more time before I graduate.”
Fields complimented male leads Swartz and Lott, who are new to the HA stage, but not to performing. They are especially effective in their parts as enemies throughout much of the play, the director praised.
“Our students are tremendously talented. I encourage everyone to come enjoy a time of music, dancing, laughter and a little romance,” Fields said.
The primary cast also features Jude Alnas, Emma Carlyle, John Henry Fields, Blair Madison, Charmaine Perry and Halie Smith. Heritage alumna and Mississippi State University student JoAnna West is choreographer. Janice Jordan acts as assistant director.
How to go
“Footloose” will be presented in the Heritage Academy Student Activities Building, 625 Magnolia Lane, on Friday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 24 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students, available at the door.
“Footloose” is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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