NEWTOWN, Conn. — Newtown Stage Co. is bringing high schoolers from Newtown and surrounding communities to the stage for a full-length performance of “Footloose: The Musical.”
Based on the 1984 film, “Footloose” follows Ren (Dennell Sidne of Monroe) and his mother, Ethel (Elizabeth Collins of Newtown), as they relocate from Chicago to the small, rural town of Bomont. Ren is shocked to learn that dancing and rock music have been outlawed by the strict Reverend Shaw Moore (Richard Bierut of Monroe) due to a tragic accident years prior that claimed the lives of four local youths.
Along with his new friend Willard (Kevin Gray of Newtown) and the reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel (Audrey Collins of Monroe) and her friends Urleen (Ellie Harrington of Newtown), Rusty (Amelia Nash of Newtown) and Wendy Jo (Angelina Soto of Newtown), Ren challenges the law.
Footloose will be performed at Edmond Town Hall Theater, 45 Main St., Newtown on:
- Friday, July 31, at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 1, at 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 2, at 1 p.m.
The show is two-and-a-half hours long, including a 15 minute intermission. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at newtownstageco.com.
Despite opposition from Ariel’s controlling boyfriend, Chuck (Jake Goelesky of Newtown), and the town council, Ren rallies his new friends to defy the ban, heal the community’s grieving spirit, and help the reverend let go of his grief, so the teenagers can finally hold their senior prom and dance freely.
The stage adaptation brings the beloved film to life with high-octane choreography and classic ’80s hits. Notable songs include “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Almost Paradise” and more.
This production is directed by Ryan Loucks (Newtown), music directed by Megan Kirk (Newtown), choreographed by Erin Loucks (Newtown) and Angelina D’Albero (an actor based out of New York and Connecticut), and stage managed by Leah Crebbin (Newtown).
This show features costume design by Kristin Castaldi (Newtown), assistant direction by Dawn Field (Newtown), and assistant music direction by Jules Kessler (Newtown). The show is co-produced by Erin Loucks (Newtown) and Katie Bloom (Monroe).
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