Kick off your Sunday shoes.
Drayton Entertainment’s eagerly anticipated production of Footloose doesn’t start rehearsals until next week, but the feel-good musical has already been extended due to overwhelming demand, the award-winning theatre company announced today.
With advance sales hovering above 90 per cent, an additional seven performances have been added to the schedule and are now available for sale.
Strong word of mouth and a rabid fan base loyal to the 1984 film on which the musical is based have raised excitement to a fever pitch. The production will now play 39 performances Oct. 8 through Nov. 9.
“It is a rare phenomenon to see audiences respond with such enthusiasm to a production before it even opens,” says Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
“Footloose is guaranteed to be one of the biggest hits of the season. We fully expect this final block of tickets to be snatched up quickly, so we advise people to book their tickets now before they’re gone.”
Footloose follows the heart-warming story of city boy Ren McCormack, who moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont where the memory of a tragedy has caused a ban on dancing.
After the culture shock sets in, Ren quickly finds himself at odds with the repressive atmosphere of the community led by Reverend Shaw Moore.
At the same time, he develops an unlikely relationship with the Reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel. Frustrated by his strict new environment, Ren decides to take on the town and throw a dance – igniting a revolution amongst his classmates.
With a powerhouse score including classic 80s anthems such as Holding Out For a Hero, Let’s Hear It For the Boy, Almost Paradise and the classic title track, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of youth and the power of redemption.
Director and choreographer Timothy French leads the top notch creative team. He is joined by music director Robert Foster, set designer Allan Wilbee, costume designer Jessica Bray, and lighting designer Kevin Fraser.
The production features a talented young cast including Drayton Entertainment newcomer Colin Sheen as Ren McCormack. Fresh from The Wizard of Oz national tour, Julia McLellan makes her Drayton debut as Ariel Moore.
Drayton favourite Victor A. Young is Ariel’s protective father Reverend Shaw Moore and Charlotte Moore is his steadfast wife, Vi. They will be joined by many other talented cast members.
Twenty young local dancers have also been given the opportunity to perform alongside the professional cast.
Dozens of hopefuls from across Waterloo Region auditioned at an open call earlier this month for the coveted spots.
Tickets are $42 for adults; $25 for youth under 20 years of age. Preview performances and groups of 20 or more are $34.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.st.jacobscountryplayhouse.com, in person at the box office or by calling 519-747-7788 or 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
