Get ready to cut loose when Footloose
bursts onto the Starlight stage August 5-11
The talented cast includes The Blue Star All Star ensemble comprised of 27 local teens.
Footloose The Musical will have you dancing in your seat at Starlight Theatre, August 5-11. To the rock’in rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
Based on the original movie, Footloose The Musical tells the story of the lively city boy, Ren, who moves to a small town where dancing has been banned by an anxious Reverend. After the culture shock sets in, Ren tries to gain support from his friends to overturn the extreme ban, and while doing so, he catches the attention of the preacher’s daughter. The incredible pop/rock score features such hits as “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Almost Paradise,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and the hit title song by Kenny Loggins that will bring audiences to their feet – “Footloose.”
“For several years now, Footloose has ranked as one of the top five productions in Starlight’s annual survey of what audiences would like to see,” said Denton Yockey, President and Executive Producer of Starlight Theatre.
“It’s an energetic show with great music, and Director Mark Madama has assembled an incredible young cast that includes Starlight’s Blue Star All Star Ensemble comprised of approximately 27 talented high school students who attend schools that participate in our prestigious Blue Star Awards program,” Yockey said. “These triple-threats are proficient in singing, acting and dancing, and Starlight is extremely proud to have these talented teens perform on our stage.”
Footloose The Musical is Starlight’s fifth production in its 2013 Broadway Series and is presented by Price Chopper.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
The cast includes Taylor Louderman (Ariel) who recently appeared on Broadway in the Tony-nominated Bring It On The Musical; Max Clayton (Ren) is an exciting newcomer whose regional credits include Lyric Opera of Chicago, Pittsburgh CLO, and North Shore Music Theatre; George Dvorsky (Reverend Shaw Moore) has a long list of Broadway credits that include The Scarlet Pimpernel, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Passion, Marilyn: An American Fable and The Best Little Whorehouse House in Texas; and Karen Culliver (Vi Moore) who appeared on Broadway in The Phantom of the Opera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood; Meet Me in St. Louis and Show Boat. Other talented local and Broadway cast members are Eric Carsia, Paula Leggett Chase, Charles Fugate, Marc Liby, Melinda McDonald, Matthew Dorsey Moore, Ashley Pankow, Ken Remmert, Tim Scott, Courtney Stokes, and Licia Watson. The ensemble includes: Nikki Bohne, Stephanie Cain, Jordan DeLeon, Jon Drake, Sarah Ellis, Zach Frank, Amy Hurrelbrink, Jaimie Keith, Evan Lovelace, Sarah Meahl, Kevin Munhall, Mary Nepi, Casi Riegle, Ricky Schroeder, James Tolbert and John-Michael Zuerlein.
The Blue Star All Star Ensemble: Alec Armer, Justin Armer, Joann Armstrong, Elizabeth Bennett, Jacob Bjornlie, Joy Donnelly, Madison Fairfield, Andrea Fantauzzi, Alison Gray, Emmy Hadley, Grace Haverty, Madelaine Heigele, Lily Kaufmann, Austin Kelly, Mitch McCroskey, Korrie Murphy, Haley Nelson, Khalil Amon Odums, Reagan Ogle, Callie Rodina, Daniel Verscheldon, Morgan Walker, Haley Wolff, Terrace Wyatt Jr., Grayson Yockey, Gwyneth Yockey and Dashawn Young.
The creative team includes Mark Madama (Director), Anthony Edwards (Musical Director), Michele Lynch (Choreographer), Kirk Bookman (Lighting Designer), Braxton Cornelius (Sound Designer), Robert Andrew Kovach (Scenic Designer), Kansas City Costumes (Costume Company), Theresa Furphy (Production Stage Manager), and Kent Andel (Production Manager).
TICKET AND THEATRE INFORMATION
Tickets to Footloose The Musical are now on sale for $10 – $85. Tickets are available at kcstarlight.com, by calling 816-363-STAR (7827) or in person at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road. Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 15 or more can be ordered by contacting Stacey Million, Starlight’s group sales manager, at groups@kcstarlight.com or 816-997-1137.
All performances begin at 8 p.m. Dining options for Footlooseinclude pre-show dining in the VIP Club catered by Plaza Catering that includes hot buffet items, extensive salad selections, a veggie garden bar, upscale desserts, and special children’s menu. Reservations may be made in advance; walk-ups are also welcome. The menu for Footlooseis posted at www.kcstarlight.com. Other dining options include concession stand favorites and pre-packaged salads and sandwiches on the Encore Deck.
Pre-show tours of the stage, Starlight’s Walk of Stars, gardens and fountains are offered nightly along with pre-show performances at the Starlight Square stage. Free nightly, behind-the-scenes tours with information about Starlight and its rich history begin at 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 7 p.m. at the top of the theatre behind Terrace Section 1. The Ovation Gift Store is open from 6 p.m. through end of show. Accessible parking and guest assistance getting in and out of the theater are available. For information about other Starlight services, visit kcstarlight.com.
NOTABLE DATES
August 5 – Boy Scout Pack Night. Special Scout seating and group ticket discount price for all Boy Scouts and their families, plus a patch. Email groups@kcstarlight.com
August 8 – ‘80s Prom Night: 8 p.m. – midnight. Join the Footloose after-party, hosted by the Starlight’s Center Stage Young Professionals. Admission is $35 for non-members and includes one ticket to Footloose with special group seating, two drink tickets, networking with young professionals, dancing and music by DJ Kirby. If you already have tickets to the show, admission to the after-party is available for $10. Call (816) 997-1137 or email centerstage@kcstarlight.com.
August 10 – Performance will be described for the blind and visually impaired by Kansas Audio-Reader Network.
August 11 – Performance will be interpreted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
ABOUT STARLIGHT THEATRE
Starlight Theatre opened in 1951 and is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City and the second largest outdoor producing theatre in the country. In addition to presenting and producing Broadway musicals and concerts, the not-for-profit organization offers extensive community outreach and educational programming which includes classes, scholarships and Starlight’s Blue Star Awards, the second largest musical theatre award program for local high schools and students in the country. Located on 16 acres, Starlight’s venue includes rehearsal halls, gift store, club area for dining, concessions, gardens, fountains and a 10-story, climate-controlled stage.
