Highland Stage to present 'Footloose'
VERNON — The Highland Stage will present the Broadway hit, "Footloose," starting July 31 at Vernon Township High School.
One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory will burst onto the live stage with exhilarating results. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend's rebellious daughter 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 story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the' rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score with songs like "Let's Hear it for The Boy", "Holding out for a Hero" and the title number, "Footloose", and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, "Footloose" celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
The cast of "Footloose" will be led by Connor Blake of Vernon as Ren McCormack and Megan Johnson of West Milford as Ariel Moore. Also, Martin Novak of Sussex Borough as Reverend Shaw Moore, Morgan Kriegel of Warwick, N.Y., as Vi Moore, Dana Smaldino of Vernon as Ethel McCormack, Eddie Schmidt of Vernon as Willard, Mariajesus Valdes as Rusty, and Dylan Fau as Chuck Cranston.
The company of "Footloose" also features Victoria Meneses, Joe Bellina, Dominick Gonzalez, Kaitlyn Gallaugher, Brooke Harrsch, Reeve Harden, Morgan Brown, Lia Pila, Riley Whelan, Steve Henry, Matthew Losco, Nathan Fitch, Kristen Henry, Mike Van Vliet, Billy Mitchell, William Flaherty, James Boss, Emily Ross, Blake Harrsch, and Blair Lanza
Joining the principals above are Aiden Becker, Jenna Blandino, Alexis Borowic, Cora Brennan, Rebekah Bruesehoff, Lillian Carroll, Season Ciriello, Langdon Frey, Lucy Frey, Kylie Imbimbo, Matt Irvin, Hannah Lanza, Alana Levy, Celeste Levy, Kimberly Lindenau, Kurt Lindenau, Kaylee Losco, Meredith MacRae, Hannah Mitchell, Caroline Reese, Julie Ross, Sadie Smaldino, Matthew Strianse. The production stage manager is Liz Smith of Vernon.
This musical represents the company’s annual Summer Theatre Project. The show is directed by Heather Burns, musical direction is by Faith Anderson and choreography is by Renee Ziegler-Schmidt. The full pit orchestra will be led by Jon Hartlage and lighting Design is by Matthew Mitra. Performances are Friday and Saturday, July 31, Aug. 1, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students with ID. On Thursday Aug. 6, senior citizens pay only $8. All tickets can be purchased at the door. For additional information, visit www.thehighlandstage.org or call (973) 271-7853.