CUMBERLAND — The Cumberland Theatre will continue its 36th season with the rock musical “Footloose.” The production is based on the film of the same name and will run July 11-28.
“Footloose” first burst onto the screen in 1984 and proved to be one of the year’s most successful motion pictures.
The story centers on Ren McCormick, who has recently moved with his mother from Chicago to a small farming town. Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school, but he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter Ariel 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 pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
CT’s rendition features a large cast of both local and out-of-town performers. Many of the actors are making their CT debuts.
Heading the cast as Ren and Ariel are Jesse Plourde and Molly Hofstaedter. Plourde was recently seen on stage at CT as Pilate in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Hofstaedter is making her CT debut. Playing Rev. Moore will be Shane Michael Lynn of Bedford, Pennsylvania. Lynn last appeared on the CT stage in the Holiday Channel Christmas Movie “Wonderthon.”
Also returning to CT will be Emily Flack as Rusty (last seen in “Escape to Margaritaville”) and Brian Records as Willard (last seen in “The Rose Tattoo”). Making their CT debuts will be Jack Flynn as Chuck Cranston and Elizabeth Butler as Vi Moore.
Returning to CT in supporting roles are Savannah Tagliaferro (Ethel McCormick), Katelyn Shreiner (Urleen) and Jewelein Lowry (Wendy Jo). The large ensemble playing a variety of roles includes Erik Alexis, Lili Ashenfelter, Eryk Bluto, Taylor Corley, Arianna Fiorentino, Caleb Friend, Kiersten Gasemy, Micheala Hale, Lily Jackson, Grace LaCount, Connor McCabe, Clayton Muir, Melanie Rice and Andrew Watkins.
The show is being directed by Kimberli Rowley with music direction by Jaiden Courrier and choreography by Love Ruddell. Other creative team members include Shea-Mikal Greene (intimacy coordinator), Records (fight director), Bluto (fight captain) and Gasemy (dance captain).
The design team for the show is comprised of Rhett Wolford (set and lighting design), Cody Gilliam (costume design) and Katie Zimmerman (prop design). The run crew consists of Mel Mader (stage manager) and Zimmerman (assistant stage manager)
A preview performance will be held July 11 at 8 p.m. Following the preview, performances are July 12–28 with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. An opening reception is included in the ticket price for July 12.
More information can be found on cumberlandtheatre.com, where single tickets and season passes are available for purchase. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 301-759-4990.