When the Music Takes Hold: Kutztown Dares to Dance with ‘Footloose’

Ah, the timeless tale of Ren McCormack, a city kid with a heart full of rhythm and a town — Bomont, mind you — determined to stomp it out. It’s a story that resonates, doesn't it? That yearning to be free, to move, to simply be when the world around you seems to insist on stillness. Well, that very spirit, that infectious energy, is currently bubbling over at Kutztown University as their talented students gear up to present “Footloose: The Musical.” And honestly, it’s quite a spectacle.

You see, from November 14th to the 17th, the hallowed halls of Schaeffer Auditorium are set to transform. Think vibrant costumes, a stage pulsating with youthful vigor, and those unforgettable songs that, let's be real, you're probably humming already. It’s more than just a play; it’s an experience, a collective exhale of joy and defiance orchestrated by the university's Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

Leading this ambitious charge is Matthew Campbell, an assistant professor of theatre, who, along with musical director Dr. A. Wesley Schooler and choreographer Kristen Wujcik, has clearly poured immense passion into this production. But what truly makes it special, I think, is the sheer dedication of the student cast. Noah Dimon steps into Ren McCormack’s iconic dance shoes, bringing, you could say, a fresh spin to the character. And then there’s Rachel Polaco, gracing the stage as the rebellious Ariel Moore, a character who, in truth, is perhaps the true heart of Bomont’s yearning for change.

They’re joined by a powerful ensemble, too. Joshua Riccio as the stern Reverend Shaw Moore, a man grappling with his own grief and beliefs, and Ashley Caron as Vi Moore, who navigates her husband's strictness with a quiet strength. These young performers, really, they don't just act; they embody the struggle and the eventual triumph of a town rediscovering its pulse. It's not always easy, portraying such raw human emotion, but they seem to be doing it with an admirable grace.

“Footloose,” for all its toe-tapping numbers, isn't just about cutting loose. No, it delves into the tricky waters of loss, the stifling grip of a community's fear, and the sheer, unadulterated power of music and dance to heal. It’s a testament to how art, even in its most joyful forms, can challenge assumptions and bridge divides. It tells us that sometimes, all it takes is one person, or perhaps a group of spirited students, to shake things up and remind everyone of the simple, undeniable pleasure of movement.

So, if you’re looking for a night out that’s full of heart, spectacular talent, and some seriously good tunes, Schaeffer Auditorium is undoubtedly the place to be. But hurry, these dates won’t last forever. You can grab your tickets at kutztownpresents.org or by calling 610-683-4092. Trust me, it’s a performance that promises to get your feet tapping and, quite possibly, your spirit soaring. Go on, let your hair down a little!