Footloose at James Ward Mansion

Based on the 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon, “Footloose” follows Ren McCormack (Daniel Baesler) as he and his mother, Ethel (Ella Warner) move from Chicago to a small farming town called Bomont. Naturally, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school, but he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, Reverend Moore (Aidan Morgan), who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel (Alexa Stratton), sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend, Chuck (Billy Kasper), tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid.

The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, “Footloose” celebrates the wisdom of listening to young voices while guiding them with warmth and an open mind. 

Authors

• Dean Pitchford
• Eric Carmen
• Jim Steinman
• Kenny Loggins
• Sammy Hagar
• Tom Snow
• Walter Bobbie
• Zoe Akins