The cast and crew of Assumption College School’s newest musical production have been punching cards and kicking off their Sunday shoes for the entire school year.
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ACS presents Footloose with performances nightly at 7 pm from February 29 through March 2, plus at 2 pm matinee on the final day.
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“The story that is often distinguished by its ban on dancing has much to offer audiences,” said English teacher Lauren Lytle, one of the show’s producers. “Assumption’s rendition of Footloose digs beyond the striking neon costumes, beyond the intricate choreography, beyond belting out Kenny Loggins’ famous title tune and beyond shimmying like Kevin Bacon in the cult classic.”
Lytle explained that Dean Pitchford, who wrote the script and much of the soundtrack for the 1984 movie, often voices concerns that live productions would become eye-candy spectacles that dilute the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and forgiveness.
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“While ACS presents Footloose provides the moves, the view, and the entertainment that go hand-in-hand with a solid musical performance, the students involved in the production are no strangers to Pickford’s wish that his important message prevail over the pomp and circumstance of the stage,” Lytle noted.
The producer explains that the Scrooge-like antagonist Rev. Shaw Moore’s hatred of dancing — manifested into a city-wide ban in small town Bomont, Utah – stems from a dark trauma he can’t easily navigate.
“His struggles and his reality are released into a relatable narrative: grievance is not a competition, and overcoming heartache to forgive is not as impossible as it may seem,” she said. “The rainbow patchwork that binds the cast and crew of Footloose is manyfold.”
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Lytle said ACS has seen a dramatic increase in its student population over the past two years, rostering nearly 2,000 students.
Those involved in the production range from academic prefects, STEM Club members, vocal ensembles, to the lead actor who has two high school football championships under his belt.
“Every single song has choreography with all sorts of different styles, catering to the strength of our cast of dancers,” said director Naomi Ratelband, a music and drama teacher at the school. “While this musical may be considered to be more dance related, there are also very challenging songs that demand an extended range, rhythmic precision and sustaining the length of the strenuous songs.”
“ACS’s production of Footloose showcases…football players who sing, crew members with wide-ranging dialects, and boys who are not afraid to dance,” Lytle said. “While the colors of the production are daring and bold in all respects, it is the smiling, no-questions-asked acceptance found in this Footloose quilt that ensures that no threads stay frayed for too long in their cozy blanket.”
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and are available by visiting assumptionlions.com.
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