As the High School excitedly prepares Footloose for performance later on this month, we thought it important to share some background on the play.
Footloose the Musical is based on the iconic movie from the 90’s starring Kevin Bacon. On a surface level, the play deals with a mythical town, Bomont, suffering from a tragedy that cost the lives of 4 teenagers, including the son of the Reverend Shaw. The teens had been drinking and drove off a bridge. In response, the town has decided on certain measures that are intended to protect their children from further danger- in this case, abolishing school dances in the thought that such activities promote alcohol abuse and deviant behavior. Reverend Shaw, in particular, has taken on this measure with added fervency, understandable at some level, since he lost his child and feels responsible for the protection of not only his remaining teenage daughter, Ariel, but also for all the teens in his community. Yet in zeal to protect and due to his own mourning, he has lost touch with his wife and child.
Arriving on the scene from Chicago is teenaged Ren and his single mother, Ethel. His father has suddenly abandoned them and they arrive in Bomont to start a new life. When Ren discovers the law against dancing, he galvanizes the adult community to reflect on the decree itself, acknowledging the tragedy and also embracing the gifts of Ren’s generation, of youth, passion, immediacy and inherent wisdom. On another level, this is also a play about the two characters, the Reverend and Ren, both suffering from loss, who ultimately find one another in terms of their humanity.
Footloose is a lovely play with a dynamic musical score, containing high drama and comedy. At the same time, it is rated PG*. The play contains sexual innuendo in language and movement, a bit of kissing, as well as colorful language. Although for our production most of the obscenities have been edited out, there remain a few anatomical references. In addition, later in the play, an adult, in a fit of fury, strikes his teenaged nephew. It happens suddenly and the moment passes quickly.
As noted in the MMS newsletter, Elementary aged students will not attend our traditional preview performance on Thursday, January 22nd, because of the above content. We will, however, present a shortened 30 minute presentation of dances and songs for their entertainment earlier on in that day. Families choosing to attend the full production are happily welcomed during the official run of the play. On the other hand, the Middle School will be invited to view the play for the Preview. While there will be conversation with the 6th through 8th Grade surrounding the show, we as directors and teachers appreciate that for some families, the action described above may cause some concerns. If you would rather not have your child attend, contact the school office and the request will be respected.
The production opens Friday, January 23rd, 7:00 Curtain, with remaining shows on Saturday, January 24th, also at 7:00 as well as a Sunday matinee at 2:00. For ticket information, contact the school office.
We are committed to presenting a dynamic production. We hope to see everyone at the show supporting our dedicated performers who are truly investing their passions and engagement.
Sampad
c/o the Directing Team: Brian, Maya, Sinead and Erika.
*Common Sense Media rated the original film PG-13. Go to rating on Common Sense Media.
