By Wendy Burton
“Footloose the Musical” is brought to life by talented Fort Gibson students and talented musicians, said the director, Melanie Wicks.
The high school Drama Club will perform the play based on the 1984 movie of the same name for the community today and Saturday.
Senior Jake Vandiver plays Ren, the big city kid who comes to Beaumont, Texas, and stirs everyone up.
“The first time I heard the music for the play, I thought it was exciting,” Vandiver said. “It’s something people will remember.”
Vandiver performed in two other musicals, “The King and I” and “Oklahoma” and won fifth place in a national singing competition.
Senior Cassie Freeling plays Ariel, the small town preacher’s daughter who falls for Ren.
This is Freeling’s first musical, but she’s performed since she played Orphan Annie as a little girl.
She agrees with Vandiver that this play will be something to remember and will bring back memories.
The musical ensemble includes 1980s hits such as “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” “Footloose” and “Holding Out for a Hero” — all played by a live band.
“We have extremely talented people in the community that have come to help us,” Wicks said.
Jenny Krepps is musical director, Kerry Huffer, conducts and plays flute, and Jay Huffer, Ed Warren, Jim Loftin, Phil Sapienza and Bradley Spears round out the rest of the orchestra.
“The music is well known because it’s been a part of pop culture for 20 or 30 years,” said Andrea Bristel, who plays the preacher’s wife.
The audience can reminisce over other 1980s pop culture, too — teased hair, neon clothes, leg warmers and energetic teenagers bring the decade to life.
“It’s very high energy and everyone can enjoy it,” Bristel said.
If you go
WHAT: “Footloose, the Musical presented by the Fort Gibson Drama Club.
WHEN: 7 p.m. today and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Fort Gibson High School auditorium.
COST: $5.
