The Alexander Children's Theatre School Announces FOOTLOOSE as Spring Production

The Alexander Children's Theatre School (ACTS) of Concord, MA has announced their Spring, 2013 production of Footloose: The Musical. The production will run for four performances, May 31 through June 2, at the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts.

When Ren McCormack and his recently divorced mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. In addition to the Academy Award-nominated title song and "Let's Hear It For The Boy," the score's highlights include "Almost Paradise," "Holding Out for a Hero," "Mama Says," and "Heaven Help Me."

In 1998, Dean Pitchford and Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie adapted Pitchford's 1984 film for the Broadway stage. The original production was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Score. The score is by Tom Snow and Pitchford, with additional songs by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman. Footloose is produced by special arrangement with Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals, an Imagem Company.

Footloose is produced by founding director Stephanie C. Mavrides and EMACT/DASH Award winner James Forbes Sheehan. The production will be directed by five-time IRNE Award nominee James Tallach, who previously helmed ACTS' productions of Les Miserables, The Wedding Singer, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. EMACT/DASH Award nominee Lenni Kmiec and two-time IRNE Award nominee Jackie Theoharis will co-choreograph, with music direction by Boston University graduate student Ben Oehlkers. The show's design team consists of scenic designer Nick Waynelovich, costume designer Meg Cowe, lighting designer Erik Fox, and sound designer Jan Kmiec.

"Considering everything that has been going on in our state and in the world, I don't think we could have picked a better show to close out our season," producer James Forbes Sheehan said in a recent statement. "The world needs a joyous, feel-good musical about young people who just want to dance and have a good time." The cast is comprised of high school students from sixteen towns in Massachusetts. "Young talent excites me. It is the future," says founding director Stephanie C. Mavrides. "I love community theatre but young, developing talent is exciting to watch...These kids work at a professional level."

PERFORMANCES are Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m. at the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts (40 Stow Street, Concord, MA). Tickets range from $15 to $20 and may be purchased online (www.ACTS1.org) or by calling 781-899-4467.

Since 1999, ACTS has been producing several annual musicals, in addition to offering master classes and workshops with professional artists, weekly dance classes, special summer shows, and other educational opportunities. By combining the work of professional adults with that of students and volunteers, we can create an excellent learning experience for all. We believe that there is something for everyone; every child can succeed in the theater if given the proper guidance, encouragement, and direction. ACTS is a proud member of the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres (EMACT). Find us on Facebook or visit our website (www.ACTS1.org) for more information!

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