The 1980s have spun back into style with San Lorenzo Valley High School’s musical performance of “Footloose” — the latest student theater production to take the Park Hall stage in Ben Lomond.
“Footloose,” originally a movie released in 1984 and then made into a musical in 1998, is about a young teenager named Ren McCormack, who moves to a small town where the local preacher has outlawed dancing, which is the only thing that McCormack really connects to.
“I’m the preacher’s daughter; I have a tough exterior, and I’m trying to portray myself as kind of the bad girl of the community,” said Sierra Laird, who plays the character Ariel Moore. “It takes Ren coming to town and kind of causing a stir-up for me to figure out that’s not the only way to be.”
The musical is directed and choreographed by Amber Walker, who also directed SLV’s previous rendition of “Footloose” back in 2005.
Walker said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the original release of the “Footloose” movie, so the audience should expect that the show is going to be campy.
“It means all of the ’80s pop culture, like big hair, bright colors and ’80s music,” she said.
To enhance the feel of the 1980s, the set changes will boast ’80s-style red and blue rock lighting and a smoke machine.
Walker said that she has also brought in original-style costumes, dance moves, and music performed by a live band conducted by Arindam Krishna Das.
Walker said that nuances are present in “Footloose” that feature on the importance of the need for parents to listen to their children.
“I’d like parents to cut loose and have fun, and celebrate this amazing time with our kids before they become adults,” Walker said. “This is a care-free, brave and fearless time of their lives.”
Walker said that teenagers can use their words and their actions to change anything, and they have the power to change the world.
“This show is a celebration of the power of teenagers to influence the world around them,” Walker said. “I think that kids have a fortitude that we can learn from.”
The show is set to premiere on Saturday, April 19 at 7 p.m., and will run weekends through May 4. Sunday matinees will begin at 2 p.m.
Admission to “Footloose” is $15 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, and $9 for ASB, SLV staff and MCT season subscribers.
Tickets may be purchased at the box office one hour before showtime, or online at www.mctshows.org.
