Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. proudly presents “Footloose: The Musical” for a two-weekend run on June 21-23 and June 28-30. The story follows city teen Ren McCormack and his move to the small town of Bomont, Utah, where dancing and rock music are not only discouraged, but banned. Follow Ren, his newfound friends, and the community as they grapple with love, loss, rebellion, and the right to dance.
The musical is based off the hit 1984 film and features 80’s Billboard hits such as “Let’s Hear if for the Boys” and “Holding Out for a Hero”.
“When Footloose was being adopted as a stage musical the writers transferred many of the songs directly from the movie soundtrack,” explained ASPI “Footloose” director Michael Laskowski.
“It was actually one of the very first musicals to be based on a non-musical movie which I think makes this production quite special and unique,” he continued.
“Footloose” is Laskowski’s first production with ASPI and his directorial debut of a musical. Though new to the ASPI family, Laskowski is no stranger to theater. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from UW-Oshkosh and has been involved in several area theatre companies including Evergreen Theatre, Green Bay Community Theatre, Riverside Players, and Wolf River Theatre.
“One of the many reasons why I adore my cast is that there is such a wide range of talents and experiences among them,” said Laskowski.
The show spotlights Akeem Edmonds as newcomer Ren McCormack and Abby Frank as reverend’s rebel daughter Ariel Moore.
“One of the special things we have with this cast is that it truly is a family affair,” explained Laskowski.
The “Footloose” cast features several family member ties, including sisters Abby and Bella Frank, (portraying Ariel and Rusty), along with two father/daughter duos, Jerry Wirtley and Charis Wirtley (portraying Rev. Shaw Moore and Wendy Jo) and Mark Koehn and Katie Koehn (portraying Coach Dunbar and Urleen).
“When you put together a cast for any type of show, that cast becomes like a family. And these coincidences just put a delightful ironic touch to that thought,” he continued.
Showtimes for ASPI’s production of “Footloose: The Musical” include June 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 7pm and June 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 1pm. All shows will be performed at the Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams.
ASPI will celebrate opening night on Friday, June 21, with a gala after the show. The audience is invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the cast and crew.
To purchase tickets, check out the ASPI website at abramsspotlightproductions.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852.
“Footloose” is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by R&H Theatricals, 229 W. 28th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (212) 541-6600 Fax: (212) 586-6155 www.rnh.com. Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. Lyrics by Dean Pitchford. Music by Tom Snow and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman.