FOOTLOOSE Cuts Loose at Starlight, Beginning Tonight

Footloose The Musical will have you dancing in your seat at Starlight Theatre, today, August 5-11. To the rock'in rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.

Based on the original movie, Footloose The Musical tells the story of the lively city boy, Ren, who moves to a small town where dancing has been banned by an anxious Reverend. After the culture shock sets in, Ren tries to gain support from his friends to overturn the extreme ban, and while doing so, he catches the attention of the preacher's daughter. The incredible pop/rock score features such hits as "Let's Hear It for the Boy," "Almost Paradise," "Holding Out for a Hero," and the hit title song by Kenny Loggins that will bring audiences to their feet - "Footloose."

"For several years now, Footloose has ranked as one of the top five productions in Starlight's annual survey of what audiences would like to see," said Denton Yockey, President and Executive Producer of Starlight Theatre.

"It's an energetic show with great music, and Director Mark Madama has assembled an incredible young cast that includes Starlight's Blue Star All Star Ensemble comprised of approximately 27 talented high school students who attend schools that participate in our prestigious Blue Star Awards program," Yockey said. "These triple-threats are proficient in singing, acting and dancing, and Starlight is extremely proud to have these talented teens perform on our stage."

Footloose The Musical is Starlight's fifth production in its 2013 Broadway Series and is presented by Price Chopper.

The cast includes Taylor Louderman (Ariel) who recently appeared on Broadway in the Tony-nominated Bring It On The Musical; Max Clayton (Ren) is an exciting newcomer whose regional credits include Lyric Opera of Chicago, Pittsburgh CLO, and North Shore Music Theatre; George Dvorsky (Reverend Shaw Moore) has a long list of Broadway credits that include The Scarlet Pimpernel, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Passion, Marilyn: An American Fable and The Best Little Whorehouse House in Texas; and Karen Culliver (Vi Moore) who appeared on Broadway in The Phantom of the Opera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood; Meet Me in St. Louis and Show Boat. Other talented local and Broadway cast members are Eric Carsia, Paula Leggett Chase, Charles Fugate, Marc Liby, Melinda McDonald, Matthew Dorsey Moore, Ashley Pankow, Ken Remmert, Tim Scott, Courtney Stokes, and Licia Watson. The ensemble includes: Nikki Bohne, Stephanie Cain, Jordan DeLeon, Jon Drake, Sarah Ellis, Zach Frank, Amy Hurrelbrink, Jaimie Keith, Evan Lovelace, Sarah Meahl, Kevin Munhall, Mary Nepi, Casi Riegle, Ricky Schroeder, James Tolbert and John-Michael Zuerlein.

The Blue Star All Star Ensemble: Alec Armer, Justin Armer, Joann Armstrong, Elizabeth Bennett, Jacob Bjornlie, Joy Donnelly, Madison Fairfield, Andrea Fantauzzi, Alison Gray, Emmy Hadley, Grace Haverty, Madelaine Heigele, Lily Kaufmann, Austin Kelly, Mitch McCroskey, Korrie Murphy, Haley Nelson, Khalil Amon Odums, Reagan Ogle, Callie Rodina, Daniel Verscheldon, Morgan Walker, Haley Wolff, Terrace Wyatt Jr., Grayson Yockey, Gwyneth Yockey and Dashawn Young.

The creative team includes Mark Madama (Director), Anthony Edwards (Musical Director), Michele Lynch (Choreographer), Kirk Bookman (Lighting Designer), Braxton Cornelius (Sound Designer), Robert Andrew Kovach (Scenic Designer), Kansas City Costumes (Costume Company), Theresa Furphy (Production Stage Manager), and Kent Andel (Production Manager).

Tickets to Footloose The Musical are now on sale for $10 - $85. Tickets are available at kcstarlight.com, by calling 816-363-STAR (7827) or in person at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road. Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 15 or more can be ordered by contacting Stacey Million, Starlight's group sales manager, at groups@kcstarlight.com or 816-997-1137.

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