Stage production of "Footloose" opens Nov. 16; the 'music is a blast and the characters are amazing.'
Get tickets for the show here: http://www.ndpma.org/theatre_tickets
Get ready to dance in the aisles as the musical "Footloose," produced by the Notre Dame's upper division theatre group, explodes onto the stage with classic 80s anthems including "Holding Out For a Hero," "Almost Paradise," "Let's Hear It For the Boy," and "Footloose."
Life in small-town Beaumont is peaceful until city boy Ren arrives.
Breaking every taboo, Ren brings dance back to the heart of a town held back by the memory of a tragedy. Based on the hit 80s movie, Footloose has become a stage musical phenomenon that Variety calls "a celebration of youthful independence…genuine artistry and innovation and terrific tunes."
Notre Dame senior Matthew Wood, who plays the character, Chuck, in the play, said that out of the four years he's been involved in theatre and musicals at NDP, he's had the most fun with this one.
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"To be a part of a theatre community that has become like a family over the last four years for me have been magical," Wood said. "However, I feel that the chemistry in this show is off the charts. This show is about being yourself and fighting for change, and in all honesty, I think we need to remember that message more than ever. The music is a blast and the characters are amazing! It is truly a cast that goes out and gives it their all!
"Footloose" is directed by Notre Dame Director of Choirs David Fazzini and features senior Tyler Rowe as Ren, the role famously originated by Kevin Bacon. Rowe plays opposite senior Sara Avery as Ariel.
The production of the musical has the involvement of over 100 students, including actors, orchestra pit musicians and the stage crew.
“Footloose is an amazing show,” said stage manager and NDP senior Mikaela Crute. “The cast and crew are always fun to work with and I love the challenge of stage managing and overseeing a show. I can’t wait to see the final product on stage opening night.”
Fazzini is supported by a team of professionals including Notre Dame Theatre Director Meredith (Gifford) Scott as producer, Notre Dame Band Director Joe Martin as the orchestra pit director, Choir Teacher Ellie Carter as the vocal music director and Allison Kaufman as the assistant director and co-choreographer. School parent and former professional dancer Donna Pieper came on board this year to be the co-choreographer with Kaufmann.
"Footloose is one of those shows that we have talked about doing for years,” Fazzini said. “The timing finally seemed right since we have a fantastic group of students who wanted to do a musical that they would also have a blast with.”
The show takes place Friday through Saturday, November 16-17, 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 18, 3 p.m., at the Avondale High School Performing Arts Center, 2800 Waukegan St., Auburn Hills, MI 48326.
Get tickets for the show here: http://www.ndpma.org/theatre_tickets
MORE PHOTOS HERE.
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org