Stage Door News
Stage Door News
ST. JACOBS – 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%, 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 October 8th through November 9th.
“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. French has directed several productions for Drayton Entertainment, notably The Sound of Music, Camelot and Me and My Girl. 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 the misjudged rebel with a cause Ren McCormack. Hailing from British Columbia, Sheen has appeared in numerous productions on the West Coast including Next to Normal, Red Rock Diner and The Fantasticks.
Fresh from The Wizard of Oz national tour, Julia McLellan makes her Drayton Entertainment debut as Ariel Moore, the defiant preacher’s daughter who finds a kindred spirit in Ren.
Drayton Entertainment favourite Victor A. Young is Ariel’s protective father Reverend Shaw Moore, who leads the ban against dancing, and Charlotte Moore, whom audiences may remember as Mrs. Johnstone in Drayton Entertainment’s critically acclaimed production of Blood Brothers, is his steadfast wife, Vi.
Nick Settimi is Ren’s hilarious hillbilly best friend Willard, while Ariel’s faithful friends Rusty, Urleen and Wendy Jo are played by Katrina Reynolds, Kaleigh Gorka and Jade Repeta. Eric Morin is Ariel’s tough-guy boyfriend Chuck Cranston.
Lee MacDougall is Uncle Wes, with Daphne Moes as his wife Lulu and Andrew Scanlon as Coach Dunbar. Seasoned performer Jayme Armstrong takes on several roles as Eleanor Dunbar, Betty Blast, and others.
Thomas Alderson, Ryan Gifford, Sarah Matton, Nicholas Nesbitt, Gregory Pember, Jade Percival, Christine Watson and Jesse Weafer dance and sing up a storm in the ensemble.
To add to the excitement, 20 young local dancers will be provided the unique opportunity to perform alongside this professional cast. Dozens of hopefuls from across Waterloo Region auditioned at an open call earlier this month for the coveted spots, and will be announced next week.
Footloose is proudly sponsored by Josslin Insurance and Commercial Print-Craft Limited. Media Sponsors are 2day FM 107.7, and Hamilton Spectator. The Design Sponsors are TD Waterhouse The Brian Vickers Group and Four Points Sheraton Waterloo. The Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $34.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.st.jacobscountryplayhouse.com, in person at the St. Jacobs County Playhouse Box Office or by calling (519) 747-7788 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
Photo: Colin Sheen. ©2014 Drayton Entertainment.
2014-09-12
St. Jacobs: "Footloose" at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse extended to November 9 before it opens