Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes because The River Raisin Youth Theatre is presenting Footloose: The Musical, directed by Tracy Glover with musical direction by Josh Glover and choreography by Alyssa Langmeyer. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people and guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind. With Oscar and Tony nominated music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Pitchford augmented by dynamic new songs for the stage musical by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman, the music of this show surges with youthful and upbeat energy. Show dates and times are July 19th at 7:30 pm, July 20th at 7:30 pm, and July 21st at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $10 for students and children. They are now on sale by calling our box office at (734)-242-7722, stopping by the RRCA at 114 South Monroe Street, or by visiting our website at www.riverraisincentre.org.
Footloose: The Musical, which is based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford, was adapted for the stage by Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
Auditions and callbacks for Footloose were held on May 9th and 11th at the RRCA theatre. Students between the ages of 12-20 were invited to audition. The current cast is made up of 50 talented student actors from the Monroe County area. They are rehearsed every week by director Tracy Glover, musical director Josh Glover, and choreographer Alyssa Langmeyer. This talented trio was also involved in bringing Les Misérables to the RRCA stage last summer and is excited to be contributing their creativity and vision to yet another River Raisin Youth Theatre production. Director Glover says “You don’t want to miss out on this upbeat production. Show up in your best 80’s garb and enjoy the show!”
