Everybody, Everybody Cut ‘Footloose’

Palisades Charter High School’s spring musical, “Footloose,” adapted to the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, opens on Thursday, April 5, in Mercer Hall.

Told through the frustrations of typical teenagers living in an obscure town, Bomont, this musical centers around the stringent rules that prohibit dance and deprive the characters of releasing their enthusiasm, angst and love. The students soon find out that it merely takes confidence—and an inch of rebellion—to eventually spark a dramatic, yet well-needed cultural change within the community.

Jagger Hunt, who was formerly seen on the Pali High stage as Jay Gatsby in “The Great Gatsby,” tackles the role of Ren McCormack, the amiable newcomer to Bomont who is outraged by the law against dancing.

He is introduced to enemies, including Chuck Cranston played by Jack Butler, and friends, such as his lover Ariel Moore, played by the talented Roberta Alaman, who was seen as Wendla Bergmann in last year’s production of “Spring Awakening.” (Alaman is a two-time Music Center Spotlight Awards finalist in non-classical voice.)

As luck has it, Ariel’s father happens to be the Reverend Moore, acted by Ethan Jones, who is the lead voice behind the anti-dance law. In his journey to bring back dancing, Ren, along with new friends, gets himself into fights as well as uncovers a dark secret lingering in the Reverend’s past.

The actors shared that they are delighted to have been cast in such an iconic musical and have been diligently mastering their characters.

Hunt said that he is “honored to have the opportunity and to be trusted to play a role as fun but demanding as Ren McCormack.”

“Thank you for the memories and the lesson that I will carry into my adult life,” Alaman said.

Sarah Silvers, who plays Ariel’s mom, Vi Moore, spoke of the character development that she has come to understand.

“Vi is the ‘voice of reason’ who truly exemplifies the overarching theme of forgiveness, and shows what it means to sacrifice a part of yourself for your loved ones,” Silvers explained. “She tackles familiar, yet onerous obstacles that real women struggle with, and it’s been an honor getting to know her.”

While the actors have masterfully brought “Footloose” to life, the magic behind the show is the directing, done marvelously by Cheri and Monique Smith, as well as the singing and orchestra instructing, performed by Joshua Elson and Elizabeth Stoyanovich, respectively.

The show dates are April 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., as well as two matinee shows at 2 p.m. on April 7 and 14. General admission is $16, students $10 and VIP $23. Tickets can be obtained at the door or through palifootloose.brownpapertickets.com.