Jasperites beware, spontaneous outbursts of dancing could take over the streets with the production of Footloose set to take centre stage at Jasper's Junior/Senior High School May 19, 20 and 21.
The musical-drama tells the story of a young, upbeat Chicago man who moves to a small town in the United States to live with his aunt and uncle, only to learn town council has banned dancing and rock music.
The original flick stars Kevin Bacon as a strapping young man eager to right the city's wrong.
During his quest, he falls in love with a rebellious girl who wants to have a senior prom—complete with dancing. To help her cause, he goes before city council and reads several Bible verses that cite the value of dancing and celebration.
Although initially unsuccessful, his speech moves the girl's father, who is a minister and sits on council, and paves the way for the eventual repeal of the law.
“Students have worked so hard for this,” said Jonathan Thornton, the school's senior drama teacher. “They have just put their heart and soul into this show and they are going to kick it to the curb. It's going to be phenomenal.”
More than 40 students from grades 10, 11 and 12, as well as several junior high students, have been meeting once a week for threes hours to get the show ready.
“We've been going hard since February,” said Thornton, adding over the last couple of weeks they've meet at least twice a week and sometimes even over lunch.
Every year Thornton presents a number of possible scripts to the class and has students do their own research before voting on which show they would like to produce.
This year, the students chose Footloose.
“There's tons of dancing, tons of singing and there's even a live band playing with them,” he said.
Doors open at 6:30 and tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children under 10. Tickets can be bought from any of the drama students or at the door.
Paul Clarke
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