Knightly News

This spring’s musical production is sure to take families back to 1984, when “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Almost Paradise” and “Holding Out for a Hero” were on the radio. The World’s Fair was in New Orleans, the Summer Olympics were in Los Angeles and Kevin Bacon was on the big screen. “Footloose” the musical debuts Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. on the Visual & Performing Arts Center stage.

Stretching Talent and Dancing Out Feelings

Theater Production Director Lily McGill says the musical is pretty close to the box office success and takes place in the ‘80s in the small Texas town of Bomont. A talented group of Middle and Upper School students bring the popular story to life. “We have a core group of students that are really good at everything,” says McGill. With such a talented group, she spent considerable time with casting choices and took the opportunity to stretch some of the young actors. “Some of the students are playing things they haven’t played,” says McGill. “This is a chance to stretch students a little, especially the ones who want to pursue this past high school.”

With such a recognizable soundtrack, “Footloose” was the perfect choice to showcase the strong dancers among the Episcopal thespians. McGill points out that the music is an entertaining blend of “pop music, the music of the time and Broadway influences.” In addition, the storyline lends itself well to the stage. “The premise feels very much like musical theater,” says McGill with enthusiasm. She points out that the main character is “dancing out his feelings.”

Audiences are sure to tap their toes and hum along as a live orchestra performs the hits during the production. McGill says the student actors are already enjoying the music and the dance numbers they’ve inspired. At the recent school Sadie Hawkins Dance, McGill spotted students doing dances from the show. The “Still Rockin’” line dance was also part of the recent LAUNCH Fest, as Dance Teacher Christine Chrest and students taught participants the steps.

Stretching Creativity and Setting the Stage

“Footloose” also stretches the theater team as they consider setting the stage. Due to the nature of the story, “Footloose” requires a different plan from what audiences may expect. In this case, McGill and Arts Department Director Louis Gagliano needed to create a set to reflect seven or eight locations. “We had to be more creative,” says McGill as she paints a sign made from worn fence material. Part of that creativity involves creating pieces that are multi-purpose and mobile, which McGill says is much more common now in modern theater. As the play unfolds, pieces will be relocated and used differently. Hopefully, audiences will appreciate the planning and intention that goes into each setting.

Purchase Tickets Today

Whether you come to support your favorite actor or to relive your high school days, “Footloose” is sure to entertain. The production is PG-13 and features student actors in 8th – 12th grade. Make plans to attend and purchase tickets today.

April 18 – 20
7:00 p.m.

April 21
2:00 p.m.

Spring Arts Opportunities!

Mark your calendars now for these exciting spring arts events:

Jazz Clubbin' - April 25
Performing Arts Academy Spring Recital - April 27
Spring Band Concert - April 30
Spring Choir Concert - May 2

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.