Parkersburg South High School ready to dance with ‘Footloose’
Travis (Colorado Sampson), left, and Lyle (Braden Deguzman), center left, wave at Ariel (Ashlynn Liner), center right, as she is swept off her feet by Chuck (Andrew Latham) in the Parkersburg South production of “Footloose the Musical.” (Photo Provided)
Parkersburg South students Caleb Rowan, left, and Thea Koskey, right, star as Shaw and Vi Moore in a production of “Footloose the Musical.” The Rev. Moore finds his rules against dancing challenged by a group of teens in the small town of Bomont. (Photo Provided)
Red McCormack (Issac Bradley), left, and Ariel Moore (Ashlynn Limer), right, sit on a bridge while talking during a scene from the Parkersburg South production of “Footloose the Musical.” (Photo Provided)
Parkersburg South High School students are cutting loose in April with a production of “Footloose the Musical!” (Photo Provided)
Travis (Colorado Sampson), left, and Lyle (Braden Deguzman), center left, wave at Ariel (Ashlynn Liner), center right, as she is swept off her feet by Chuck (Andrew Latham) in the Parkersburg South production of “Footloose the Musical.” (Photo Provided)
Parkersburg South students Caleb Rowan, left, and Thea Koskey, right, star as Shaw and Vi Moore in a production of “Footloose the Musical.” The Rev. Moore finds his rules against dancing challenged by a group of teens in the small town of Bomont. (Photo Provided)
Red McCormack (Issac Bradley), left, and Ariel Moore (Ashlynn Limer), right, sit on a bridge while talking during a scene from the Parkersburg South production of “Footloose the Musical.” (Photo Provided)
Parkersburg South High School students are cutting loose in April with a production of “Footloose the Musical!” (Photo Provided)
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PARKERSBURG -- Thespian Troupe 1540 at Parkersburg South High School will present "Footloose the Musical!" in April.
Based on the movie, "Footloose the Musical!" will run April 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9 with a special dinner show on April 2.
"Footloose the Musical" is set to the rocking rhythm of the film's Top 40s score that was nominated for an Oscar and a Grammy.
The show is about Ren McCormack (played by Isaac Bradley), a teenager from Chicago. He and his mother move to the small town of Beaumont after his father abandons them.
Upon arriving, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Rev. Moore (played by Caleb Rowan). The reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable.
With the help of Ariel (the reverend's daughter played by Ashlynn Limer) and Willard (a country boy who becomes Ren's best friend played by Kaleb Windland), Ren convinces the reverend to let the teenagers dance and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.
The production is a collaboration of the Performing Arts Department. Theater Director Doug Parks is excited to be bring the musical based on the 1984 film to the stage at Parkersburg South with the help of his colleagues.
"One of the most exciting parts of me, has been seeing all the pieces of the puzzle come together," Parks said. "We have a live pit band for this production made up of students and directed by our band director, Chris Shew. We are blessed with some very talented students here."
Choral Director Jennifer Ratliff has been working with the cast on vocal performances.
"Footloose" will open at 7 p.m. April 1 at the Parkersburg South High School theater/auditorium with additional performances 7 p.m. April 8-9. A matinee is scheduled 2:30 p.m. April 3.
General admission tickets for performances can be purchased online at souththeater.org and are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.
The troupe has partnered with Mary B's Diner for a dinner theater fundraiser on April 2. The menu includes baked chicken, salad, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a hot roll and dessert to be served beginning at 6 p.m. in the Parkersburg South cafeteria. The show will follow at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets for the dinner and the show are $20 per person.
For more information contact Parks, ldparks@k12.wv.us, 1-304-420-9610 ext 2109 or visit souththeater.org.
Cast Members
* Ren McCormack, Isaac Bradley
* Ethel McCormack, Gwenth Knapp
* The Rev. Shaw Moore, Caleb Rowan
* Vi Moore, Thea Koskey
* Ariel Moore, Ashley Limer
* Lulu Warnicker, Olivia Raber
* Wes Warnicker, Zane VanFossen
* Coach Roger Dunbar, Sebastian Buckley
* Eleanor Dunbar, Sarah Ervin
* Rusty, Madison Binkney
* Urleen, Alex DeShetler
* Wendy Jo, Brianna Stump
* Chuck Cranston, Andrew Latham
* Lyle, Colorado Sampson
* Travis, Braden Deguzman
* Betty Blast, Erin Miihlbach
* Willard Hewitt, Kaleb Windland
* Principal Clark, Vanessa Mackey
* Jeter/Cop, Felix Ozanick
* Bickle, Andrew Hanna
* Garvin, Jantzen Karcher
* Cowboy Bobbie, Zoe Koskey
* Company, Tessa Prunty, Cate Evans, Kendall Abilmona,
* Maryssa Dennis, Alexis Smith, Jayme Short, Anna Ware
* Technical Director, Patrick Arnold
* Costume Design, Ainsley Dixon
* Stage Manager, J. Wilcoxen
* Music Director, Jennifer Ratliff
* Stage Manager, Lauren Cline
* Conductor, Christopher Shew
* Choreographer, Gracie Parks
* Assistant Directors, Jennifer Parks and Delainey Parks
* Director, Douglas Parks
"Footloose" is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals, a Concord Theatricals company.