Chanhassen Dinner Theatre Presents FOOTLOOSE

FOOTLOOSE - the MUSICAL will play on the Main Stage at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres for the first time ever. Based on the 1984 hit film that captured the hearts of America, FOOTLOOSE was freshly reinvented as a successful Broadway musical in 1998, with music by Tom Snow, Kenny Loggins (and others), lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and book by Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. The show ran for more than two years on Broadway (1998-2000) and went on to enjoy West End productions, British national tours, US national tours, and a 10th anniversary American national tour, between 2000-2008. FOOTLOOSE the MUSICAL! previews from January 29 through February 4, with grand opening festivities on Friday, February 5.

FOOTLOOSE begins with Ren MacCormack, an ordinary street kid from Chicago, who is forced to move with his mother to Bomont, a small, puritanical, Texas town, after his father abandons the family. To Ren's shock, dancing and rock 'n' roll are forbidden - an edict placed upon the community by Reverend Shaw Moore, following a horrifying car accident involving four teens returning home from a dance. The Reverend's daughter Ariel, rebels against her father and his stern practices. It doesn't take Ren long to shake up the status quo, and soon the students are on their feet sending the town into a frenzy. Musical hits include: "Let's Hear It For The Boy," "Holdin' Out For A Hero," "Almost Paradise," "The Girl Gets Around" and the rousing title song "Footloose."
Resident Artistic Director Michael Brindisi finds a deeper message in the story of FOOTLOOSE, "Sure. This is a tremendously fun, high-energy musical with loads of youthful spirit, awesome choreography, acrobatics, and upbeat music. The story takes place in a town where dancing's illegal. But the real story is what truly drives this piece, and it's about the importance of building bridges between people and strengthening the bonds between parents and their kids. It's a light-hearted musical with real substance of heart and soul. That's what grips me about this show."

Interestingly, Brindisi's daughter, a college student, recently played the role of Ariel in FOOTLOOSE at the University of Minnesota/Duluth. (Duluth's production is now playing overseas in Turkey with a student theatre exchange program.) Brindisi had the opportunity to see the Duluth production last spring and was moved by it. So much so that he made contact with playwright, Dean Pitchford. The two entered into lengthy discussions on the musical as Brindisi was researching to direct the work for Chanhassen. Pitchford was pleased that Brindisi had seen beyond the obvious, "Michael "gets" FOOTLOOSE in a way that most directors never do. It's so easy and convenient to play the kids as lightweight clichés, just as it's a common pitfall to play Reverend Moore as a Bible-thumping hard nose. But this isn't a story about a town where you can't dance. It's a story about a man who has lost his son and a boy who has lost his father. The question of a dance is merely The catalyst that pushes them both through their pain and out the other side."

Brindisi collaborates with his creative team of artists. Kyle Clausen serves as musical director, and Tamara Kangas Erickson as choreographer. Designers: Nayna Ramey for scenery; Rich Hamson for costumes; Sue Ellen Berger for lighting; Russ Haynes for sound and Susan Magnuson for hair/makeup. Production Stage Manager is Robin Macgregor.

THE CAST

Ren McCormack Ben Bakken

Reverend Shaw Moore David Anthony Brinkley

Ariel Moore Zoe Pappas

Willard Hewitt Brian Skellenger

Rusty Jodi Carmeli

Vi Moore Michelle Barber

Ethel McCormack Janet Hayes Trow

Urleen Maria Stukey

Lulu Tinia Moulder

Wendy Jo Nikkie Kromminga

Travis Brendan Bujold

Jeter Rico Heisler

Chuck Cranston Jared Oxborough

Principal Clark Mark King
Garvin Chad Anderson

Coach Dunbar Keith Rice

Cop Jay Albright

Eleanor Dena Rice

Wes Martin Ruben

Bickle Michael Brafford

Ensemble Boys & Girls: Lisa Bartholomew, Megan Kelly Hubbell,
Maureen Sherman-Mendez, Sean Nugent, Jeff Quast

FOOTLOOSE will be performed eight times weekly with evening performances Tuesday through Sunday and matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Dinner and show ticket prices are as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday evenings $66; Friday $76; Saturday evening $76; Wednesday and Saturday matinee $66; and Sunday $67. Show only tickets are available ten days prior to performance. For tickets and information call the theatre box office at (952) 934-1525 or (800) 362-3515, or go online to www.ChanhassenDT.com

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