March 29, 2024

CCHS to perform ‘Footloose’

What happens when a kid from the city winds up in a small town with big restrictions? He leads a revolt bent on opening minds and celebrating self-expression.

Clarke Community High School’s fall musical, “Footloose,” kicks off 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12.

“Footloose” sees the arrival of Ren McCormack (John Echeveste), a boy hailing from the clubs of Chicago, to the small town of Bomont, Illinois, where dancing is illegal. With help from his new friend, Willard Hewitt (Riley Elben), Ren plans to change the city council’s mind, winning the heart of Ariel Moore (Brittany Beckett) in the process. Unfortunately for Ren, Ariel’s father, the Rev. Shaw Moore (Zach Smith), demanded the ban to begin with.

With 38 students appearing onstage and 76 involved total, “Footloose” will be a massive production for the small school. It’s also a departure from more traditional selections of the past, such as “Annie” and “Mary Poppins.”

“With all the pop music, it’s a little bit different,” said Director Don May. “This one is a little more fun, and obviously, more modern.”

May teaches speech, theatre and keyboarding at Clarke Community Middle School/High School. This is his 22nd year directing the fall musical.

“We don’t choose easy shows.” May said. “We have a lot of talent, so we want to use it.”

Roughly one-quarter of the high school’s students are involved in the production, from acting to designing sets. It’s a big change from his first performance.

“My first show, there was a cast of 10, and I had to beg people to audition,” May said.

However, one of the performers has gone on to perform off Broadway, and many kids involved in the program throughout the years have gone on to a future in theatre.

In addition, the Des Moines Performing Arts is adjudicating the show as part of the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards program. Sixty schools will have fall or spring performances evaluated. A select number of students will receive personal feedback, along with a chance to participate in an awards showcase to be held onstage at the Des Moines Civic Center.

Reserve seating for “Footloose,” good for the front half of seats in the Clarke auditorium, is available for $6 in advance at CCHS. Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $4 for adults and $2 for students.