Everybody Cut “Footloose” in Theatre Season Finale
Posted Apr 02, 2025
April 3-6 and 10-12
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall
30 S. Grove St., Westerville
Everyone feels like an outsider sometimes, and “Footloose” is the ultimate story of an outsider making a place for himself in his new town and making friends (and foes) along the way. It’s a story everyone can relate to — and tap their feet to some catchy songs while they do!
Set to the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar- and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, and augmented with additional dynamic new songs, “Footloose” celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while simultaneously guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
When Ren moves from Chicago to a small farming town, 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 who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid.
The Otterbein University Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Music present “Footloose” at 7:30 p.m. from April 3-5 and April 10-12, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St., Westerville. Tickets cost $30. Call 614-823-1109 or visit www.otterbein.edu/drama.
The box office is open 12-4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and one hour prior to performances. It is located in Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St. Student Rush discounts are available one hour prior to curtain, pending ticket availability.
CAST LIST
Ren McCormack: Evan Blust
Ethel McCormack: Ana Kusenberger
Reverend Shaw Moore: Aidan McCracken
Vi Moore: Phoebe Mock
Ariel Moore: Megan Gault
Lulu Warnicker: Maya Cidale
Wes Warnicker: Tres Allison
Coach Roger Dunbar: Jaxon Gholston
Eleanor Dunbar: Kateje Palmer
Rusty: Melody Cohen
Urleen: Elise Karlstad
Wendy Jo: Claire Dillon
Chuck Cranston: Will Iannitelli
Lyle: Josh Jaffe
Travis: Seamus Clark
A Copy/Country Fiddler: Gavin Juni
Betty Blast/Irene: Halle Audette
Willard Hewitt: Sam Bryant
Principal Harry Clark: Carter Rawlins
Jeter/Cowboy Bob: Anderson Law
Bickle: Dominic Catrone
Garvin: Colin Paisley
Ensemble: Nick Abouzeid, Tommy Bilczo, Kinsey Calderone, Sherlyn Diaz, Ciela Elliott, Brianna Gutierrez-Diaz, Gavin Juni, Zella Meyer, Apple Owens, Maren Rhoads, Keliah Schertz
PRODUCTION TEAM
Directed by Lenny Leibowitz
Music Direction by Lori Kay Harvey
Choreography by Anna Elliott
Scenic Design by Isaac Ramsey
Costume Design by Rebecca White
Lighting Design by T. J. Gerckens
Sound Design by Kitty Mader
Stage Managed by Guest Equity Artist Reh Heine
Production Photography by Isaac Ramsey
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
All performances in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St.
Thursday, April 3 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 4 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 6 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 10 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 11 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 12 7:30 p.m.
“Footloose” Credits:
Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman