For the last two months, the cast of "Footloose" has been hard at work. From choreographing dance routines to memorizing lines, these MHS students hit the ground dancing. "Footloose" boasts the largest cast that an MHS production has ever seen, with over 29 members.
Set in the quaint town of Bomont, Texas, "Footloose" follows one man's journey from the noisy and bustling city of Chicago to his present home. Ren McCormack, played by senior Chris Van Cleave, discovers that dancing is illegal in Bomont yet he "can't stand still." The play continues and McCormack causes a ruckus with his dancing.
Ariel Shaw, played by senior Aimée Palacios, is the daughter of Reverend Moore, played by senior Jeremy Clark. Both are coping with the loss of Ariel's brother, who died from an alcohol-related Potawney Bridge accident.
The Reverend made dancing illegal after his son's death. "If you look at the story of ‘Footloose,'" said senior cast member Michelle Yoon, "it's really about Shaw and him letting go of his son."
Footloose is a high action and very intense play. There are more set and wardrobe changes than in past MHS productions. The group is even bringing in an architect from Salem to help build the set and is looking to purchase wireless microphones for the lead actors.
"It's really upbeat and there's a rock and roll feel," said Yoon. "There are a lot of good, fast songs." Yoon plays Wendy Joe, one of Ariel's best friends. "Michelle Curry, Kylee Fernandez and I are like a trio," said Yoon. "We sing a lot of harmonized songs." Yoon said that as a whole, the cast is very talented. "We have really good and strong singers as the leads."
Palacios described her character, Ariel, as a rebellious girl. In the beginning, Ariel dates the resident bad boy Chuck Cranston, played by senior Nick Quinteros.
"Her dad is a reverend and she basically goes against him," said Palacios. As the story continues, Ariel falls in love with Ren. "She feels like he understands her," said Palacios.
Palacios said, "It's been a learning experience and a test for me as an actress. It's kind of fun to act out a character that you would never be like in real life." Palacios also commented on the cast chemistry. "Everyone in the play is really close, like buddies," said Palacios.
Sophomore cast member Rickey Bodle said, "The music is great. We have a great cast and lots of great actors." Bodle plays a cop who doesn't dance or sing.
"It's mostly just the kids who dance," said Bodle. The sophomore is very excited for the show to open. "Come and see it," said Bodle.
"Footloose" is directed by MHS teacher Deborah Johansen. The play will show Jan. 15, 16 and 17.
Other cast members include seniors Lindsay Harrop, Cassie Jarvis, Amy Pardee, Stephen Schmid, Matt Wilson and Hesper Kohler, juniors Daniel Palacios and Daniel Kiser, sophomores Maegan Totman, Kelly Van Patten, Ehren Castle, Austin Palacios, Kate Schwartz, Alex Vander Meide and Michaelyn Morgan, and freshmen Billy Cowles, Katelyn Harrop, Braeden Blanger, Stacey Jarvis and Bethany Palacios.