Footloose dances its way to the stage

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The opening scene took place. Members of the cast danced and sang the most well known song from the play “Footloose.”

It’s time to cut loose; after months of rehearsal, the Fine Arts department is putting on ‘Footloose,’ a rock musical based on the 1984 movie. ‘Footloose’ will be performed on Jan. 21, 22, and 23 at 7 PM. Here’s a quick look into two of the actors and actresses in Footloose.

AJ Abdullah, senior

Q: Who do you play?

A: I play Ren McCormack. Ren is a fun-loving, adventurous guy, who gets ripped out of his domain and gets put somewhere and he’s the odd one out. Usually, he doesn’t have a problem fitting in, because he’s kind of the party guy! But he was put in a place (Bomont) after he has to leave Chicago because his dad leaves his family. He’s kind of immature, which is what makes him lovable, because he’s kind of a goofy guy, charismatic, etc. But he struggles in this new town.

Q: How many years have you been in theater?

A: I’ve been in theater since 6th grade, so about six years.

Q: What has your favorite role been?

A: My favorite role was Amos Calloway in the Texas All-State musical ‘Big Fish.’ It was a really fun time because I got to work with the cast for two years; we performed at the International Texas Thespian Festival.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the show?

A: There’s a scene between Reverend Moore and Ren, and the reason I like this scene, rather than a song, is because in musicals you usually don’t get much acting space, even though it’s acting throughout the entire thing, there’s not really much of a duet scene between people. But in this show, they have a five page solid acting scene, where it’s just clashing heads, and finally getting to a conclusion, without having a song. I think that’s awesome, and that’s my favorite part of the show.

Caitlin Kresta, sophomore

Q: Who do you play?

A: I play Ariel. My character is looking for fun but she’s being oppressed by her parents, and she’s good hearted, she just comes off a little strong.

Q: How many years have you been in theater?

A: I’ve been in theater since second grade, so almost eight years.

Q: What has your favorite role been?

A: My favorite role is probably always the one that I’m currently in.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the show?

A: My favorite part of the show is probably “Almost Paradise.” It’s a really fun song.