ABOUT THE SHOW

Overview

Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago. He and his mother move to the small town of Bomont after his father abandons them. Upon arriving, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend Bomont. The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of the Ariel (the Reverend’s daughter) and Willard (a country hick who becomes his best friend), 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.

CHARACTERS

Male

Rev. Shaw Moore : Lead (M) Male Baritone (age 47) The Bomont’s preacher, Reverend Moore lost his eldest son (and several other young members of his church) in a tragic car accident and he blames this on the alcohol abuse associated with social dancing. His position as preacher enables him to influence laws to protect the town’s youth; unfortunately, his rebellious daughter does not agree. 

Ren McCormack : Lead (M) Male Tenor (age 16-17) Teenage boy from Chicago who longs for his old life in the city. Ren is a joker and outwardly portrays a care-free existence. Internally he longs for the father who walked out on him. Strong dance ability required.   

Chuck Cranston : Supporting (M) Male Tenor (age 19-20) Ariel’s no-good ‘bad boy’ boyfriend, “The Girl Gets Around”  

Willard Hewitt : Supporting (M) Male Tenor (age 17) Ren’s friend in Bomont; a country boy. Willard is not dumb. He is a gentle soul with quick fists, which are his defence against a world that he often has trouble comprehending. 

Wes Warnicker:  (M) Speaking Only (age 42) Ethel’s Brother-in-law, Ren’s Uncle; Wes opens his home to Ethel and Ren but expects them to abide by his rules. He has a quick temper and is not impressed when things don’t go his way or people wrong him. 

Roger Dunbar: (M) Speaking Only (age 30)

Lyle: (M) Male Tenor (age 18-20) Chuck’s Buddy

Travis: (M) Male Tenor (age 18-20) Chuck’s Buddy

Principal Harry  Clark : (M/F) Speaking  Only (age 30 – 40) the high school principal.

Jeter : (M) Male Tenor (age 16-17) Ren’s friend

Bickle : (M) Male Tenor (age 16-17) Ren’s Friend

Garvin :(M) Male Baritone (age 16-17) Ren’s Friend

Cowboy Bob : (M) A cowboy who invites Rusty to dance at the Bar-B-Que. Willard becomes quite jealous because of this. 

A Cop : (M/F) Speaking Only (age 25-30) Local traffic cop

Female

Ariel Moore: Lead (F) Female Soprano (age 16-17) Reverend Moore’s daughter, fun-loving and rebellious, Ariel is grieving for her brother and is also determined to get her father’s attention by any means necessary, including dating trouble-maker Chuck. “Holding Out for a Hero”, “Almost Paradise” .

Rusty :  Supporting (F) Female Soprano (age 16-17) Ariel’s best friend and girlfriend(ish) of Willard; Fast-talking, sassy and self-assured young woman who longs for true romance I her life. Rusty is a loyal friend  to Ariel and helps introduce Ren to the customs of Bomont. “Somebody’s Eyes”, “Holding Out for a Hero”, “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”.

Ethel McCormack:  Supporting (F) Female Mezzo Soprano (age 39) Ren’s mother; recently a single mother, Ethel is forced to pack up her life and her son and move in with her sister in Bomont in an effort to readjust financially without her ex-husband’s support. She is unsure that her decision is for the best, but she has little choice. 

Vi Moore: Supporting (F) Female Mezzo Soprano (age 45) Reverend Moore’s wife, Vi is gentle and sensible, with a good sense of humor. She is the rock that keeps the Shaw family strong. She understands the grieving of her husband and the town, but also her daughter’s adolescence. 

Lulu Warnicker: (F) Speaking Only (age 41) Ethel’s Sister, Ren’s Aunt. 

Eleanor Dunbar: (F) Speaking Only (age 30)

Betty Blast : (F) Speaking Only (age 25-30) Owner of The Burger Blast

Irene and her Country Kickers:  Featured (M/F) Lead Vocalist at the Bar-Que 

Urleen: Supporting (F) Female Soprano (aged 16-17) Ariel’s friend “Somebody’s Eyes”, “Holding Out for a Hero”   

Wendy Jo:  Supporting (F) Female Mezza Soprano (Aged 15-16) “Somebody’s Eyes”, “Holding Out for a Hero”    

Ensemble

Townspeople and High School Students

PIT BAND

Keyboard:  Kinnon McLean

Guitar One: Matthew Rostron

Guitar Two: Oliver Lanzilli

Bass Guitar: Daniel Rostron and Jed Barron

Flute: Elizabeth Murphy

Clarinet: Henry Geise

Tenor Saxophone - Kayden Burton-Demmers

Percussion - Michael La Monica

Drums - Sean Reed