Community School of the Arts announces Footloose The Musical on March 10th & 11th at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith, AR.
Contact Info: Dr. Rosilee Russell, Executive Director, 479-739-4655, Rosilee.russell@csafortsmith.org
Deana Griffith, Director of Operations, 479-434-2020 deana.griffith@csafortsmith.org
Fort Smith, March 10 & 11 – To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind. The explosive musical will be bursting onto the ArcBest Performing Arts Center stage on March 10 at 7pm and March 11 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for children, or $15 group rate (10 or more tickets). To purchase tickets: call (479) 434-2020 or visit us online at csafortsmith.org/stars-on-stage.
The story of Footloose begins when Ren and his mother move 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 heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
Quote from Cody Walls, Director of Theatre: “We are thrilled to share this project with our community! What better way to celebrate than to embrace the upbeat, fun-loving music of the time and with the iconic feel-good story, Footloose. This was an ambitious project for CSA – probably the biggest, definitely the most expensive, project we’ve ever undertaken. From hiring a professional carpenter, renting microphones, to hiring some of the best musicians in our area, we pulled out all the stops to make this show happen! Footloose is a classic that is relatable to every generation. This is a tale of tenacity, bravery, love, independence, and community. My hope is that this production will spark a light of inspiration in you, to make you want to take care of those around you and to fight for your beliefs like Ren fought for his. The 43 teenagers onstage are brilliant and have worked so hard. I can’t wait to show off their work!”
Quote from Dr. Rosilee Russell, Executive Director: “Our Youth Theatre Company is an outstanding group of students, many of whom have won national awards. I’m so proud of their work through CSA and know that Footloose will be one of their best shows ever!”
Students by City, State:
Fort Smith, AR: Betsy Barr, Emily Bragger, Travis Bragger, Eleanor Caruthers, Maddy Cole, Nichole Edwards, Lily Entrekin, Sarah Goodman, Bryson Gosch, Brayden Graham, Addi Grinnell, Ellie Grinnell, Brooks Harrison, Mylea Holmes, Emmy Justice, Valeina Kwo, Evan Law, Kendall Maddox, Elizabeth Marine, Natalie Marine, Maylie Martin, Victoriia McClain, Laila Smith, Xander Smith
Van Buren, AR: Hadley Gilmore, Damian Henson, Alyssa Howell, Kendall Nobles, Sam Owenby, Zero Shaver, Kai Sinclair, Emilee Wear
Lavaca, AR: Asa Stevens
Alma, AR: Talon Dean, Drake Norris
Greenwood, AR: Abigail Minor, Hannah Minor, Isabella Ree, Allison Russell
Muldrow, OK: Brooke Frost, Kaydence Young
Sallisaw, OK: Gracie Johnson
Poteau, OK: Psalm Yandell
