Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for Footloose. Kearns High will be groovin’ onto the stage on November 15th, 16th, 17th and 20th. Most people all know that Footloose is about dancing, but what about learning the dances makes this musical so special?
In this musical, the main character Ren McCormack moves to a small town that he now calls home. In this town, dancing and rock music are illegal and Ren struggles to fit in. Struggling to make change in this little town, with the help of his new friends, he hopes to loosen up these conservative people.
In the original movie Ren (Kevin Bacon) said what had made Footloose so special was the fact that he didn’t know what he had gotten himself into when he got the roll. With how specific and intricate the dance moves are, it’s no secret that this musical is something special.
Not only did the original movie have the big star Kevin Bacon in it, but it was also filmed here in Lehi, Utah. The final dance scene was also filmed right at the Lehigh Roller Mills. Several years ago, people once could see the Roller Mills from the freeway but currently cannot because the city has developed. Kevin Bacon also worked at the Roller Mills in the movie and had danced there.
The Claw got some insight on the production of Footloose here at Kearns.
“Everyone is doing so well and I think the audience is going to love what we have got planned,” said Dallin Tippetts. Tippetts also revealed, “I love learning the dance moves and the feeling I get when I do the moves without messing up. It’s hard though because it’s hard to remember it all.” Dallin Tippetts will be playing the fun loving main character Ren McCormack.
The choreography in this musical is not just dancing and keeping up with the music. Though requires a lot of concentration and skill. Not only is it being able to keep up with the music and other dancers of the show, it is also being able to do the highly difficult, fancy dance moves that the musical requires
The Claw got the opportunity to talk to one other person, Phoenix Iero. Iero plays Chuck, the villain or antagonist in Footloose. “I’ve surprisingly been able to keep up with all the moves and not mess up very much. I’ve been getting it first try almost every time.” Said Iero. Phoenix also said, “Everyone is so fun to work with and Mrs. Faulk is super helpful. I think we’ll do great when we open but you’ll just have to wait and see for yourself.”
Footloose is a family friendly production and has humor for all ages. The production here at Kearns is still being put together as the musical is very detailed. Kearns had better be ready for what our fellow actors and actresses have in store for the students and families, because all will know it’ll be one for the history books.
Tickets are almost on sale so when it’s time for curtain call, Kearns better get their tickets and settle in for the fun, upbeat ride that is Footloose.