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3/31/2009: Souderton High School Spring Musical, Footloose - April 15-19

The Souderton Area High School spring musical, Footloose , will begin on April 15, at 7:30 p.m. with a "Gold Card Only" performance. There will be 7:30 p.m. performances on Thursday, April 16, Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, with a 2:00 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, April 19. Footloose is the final musical to be presented on the SAHS theatrical stage, which originally was gymnasium/basketball court.

The musical is based on the 1984 film, starring Kevin Bacon, a story of Ren McCormack a teenager who was raised in Chicago. McCormack moved to a small town where the town government banned dancing and rock music. Ren and his classmates wanted to have a senior prom with music and dancing. They needed to figure out a way to get around the law and Reverend Shaw Moore (played by John Lithgow), who made it his mission in life to keep the town free from dancing and rock music. The movie was loosely based on events that took place in the tiny, rural farming community of Elmore City, Oklahoma. Much of the film was filmed in Utah County, Utah.

Director Lori Maxwell said, "The show is very upbeat with a good message. It has great music and the students seem to be excited to be a part of it. We hope the community will support the students and come to see the show."

Approximately 91 students in grades 9 through 12 are participating in this rendition of Footloose .

The leads are Logan Sutherland (Ren), Blake Ditlow (Rev Shaw), Madison Hart (Ariel), Victoria Henry (Vi), Beth Shellenberger (Ethel), Leah Harrell (Rusty), David Dry (Willard), Jon Kruzic (Chuck). The supporting roles are Hannah Alderfer (Urleen), Angela Bartholomew (Wendy Jo), Mary Rush (Mavis Ann), Cassie Diaz (Irene), Phil Czekner (Coach), Carrie Skrzat (Eleanor), Jen Parmer (LuLu), Austen Kewin (Wes), Katy Kanas (Betty Blast), Andi Convey (Andi), Ben Brunner (Travis), Richard Vong (Bickle), Sam Bedell (Garvin), Dan Jones (Jeter), Ruth Frick (Principal Clark), Peter Kratz and Daniel Bowman (Cops), and Natalie Dietterich ( Natty). The Stage manager is Tina Andrews. The dance captains are Alison Sharp and Michelle Paznokas.

Mrs. Maxwell also commented, "The SAHS Musical Theatre Department is participating in the Greater Philadelphia Area Cappies, which is a peer review with 36 other high schools." At the end of the season, a Gala is held at Upper Darby Performing Arts center and awards are given just like the Tony Awards on Broadway.

Almost half of the adult staff is alumni of Souderton and most live in the district.

The adult staff includes, Lori Maxwell, Director; Amy Ciafrei, Producer; Becky Alderfer, Musical Director; Gary Raisner, Set Designer; Bob Ciafrei, Set Construction; Marlene Hummenick-Davis, Set Painter; Jeff Maxwell, Lighting Director; Vince Corvino, Sound Director; Hope deFrenes, Costume Director; Erin Griffith, Choreographer; and Karen Hengey, Business Manager.

Tickets are on sale now for $8.00 and may be ordered through the high school Web site (http://sahs.soudertonsd.org/home/03-2009musical.cfm) or at the high school main office (41 North School Lane) Mon.-Fri. between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm. Please bring a self-addressed stamped envelope with you to order tickets. All tickets are for reserved seating and will not be sold at the door (except before each performance). Gold Cards presented at Thursday thru Sunday shows are subject to availability.