Shelton Students Staging 'Footloose, the Musical' This Weekend

The Shelton High School Drama Club, under the direction of Mia Scarpa and Gary Scarpa, will present Footloose, the Musical on May 8, 9 and 10 in the Shelton High School (SHS) Auditorium.

The production features a cast of 48 talented high school students who have been rehearsing for 7 weeks. Playing Ren McCormack, the main character, is SHS junior Gregory Wresilo. Other central characters are Kathryn Twohill as Ariel Moore, Tom Ball as Reverend Shaw Moore, Alexandra Koumbaros as Vi Moore, Scott Sheldon as Chuck Cranston, Braeden Sagehorn as Willard Hewitt, Nicole Romeos as Ethel McCormack, Elise Sullivan as Rusty, Katie Hunter as Wendy Jo, and Kayci Kekacs as Urleen.

Footloose tells the story of Ren MacCormack who is transplanted from Chicago to the small southern town of Bomont where he experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed four teenagers after a night out and Bomont's local councilmen and the beloved Reverend Shaw Moore responded by implementing ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalizing the town and falling in love with the minister's troubled daughter Ariel in the process.

There have been two film versions of Footloose: the 1984 original film starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, and John Lithgow, and, more recently, a 2011 film featuring Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, and Dennis Quaid.

Footloose was produced as a Broadway play in 1998 and features not only the title song, but such hits as “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and “Almost Paradise.”

Assisting the Scarpas with the production are Co-Drama Club Advisor Joe Sedlock, Assistant Choreographer Katie Sedlock, and Musical Director Fiona Bryson.

“I really liked the 1984 film when I saw it,” said Gary Scarpa, “And when it was made into a Broadway musical, I completely fell in love with the show. It has everything — comedy, drama, and explosive musical numbers!”

Wresilo said, “I am so excited to be playing Ren McCormack. He is a high energy kid who stands up for what he believes in and lights up a small town with his dancing and singing!”

“I can’t say enough about our great cast,” said Mia Scarpa. “Their talent and dedication are awesome, and I encourage everyone in the community to come to the show and see high school students at their best!”

Performances will take place at 7 p.m. on May 8, and at 8 p.m. on May 9 and 10. Tickets are $15 with a special $10 student price on May 8 only. Tickets may be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com or by calling Center Stage Theatre at 203-225-6079. All seating is reserved.