Marietta, Ga. (July 12, 2013) —Coming August 16 -25 to the Earl Smith Strand Theatre: Footloose the Musical. One of America’s best loved movies has become one of Broadway’s best loved musical experiences. Prepare to kick off your Sunday shoes as Marietta cuts footloose to the amazing music, dynamic characters, and tremendous story of youth, idealism, and reconciliation.
“We’re thrilled to be able to present this tour de force musical,” shares Executive Director Earl Reece. “Footloose is a 1998 musical based on the 1984 film of the same name. When we surveyed the community asking what musical they would like to see performed at The Strand, Footloose was the strong winner. This show has something for everyone—great music, great choreography, great story. You cannot leave the theatre without singing the songs and dancing to the music. Get ready for two hours of non-stop, high-energy fun with a message that will touch your heart.”
Footloose tells the story of Ren and his mother and their move from Chicago to a small farming town. Ren is ready for the adjustment to a new school and new friends, but what he’s totally unprepared for is the town’s ban on dancing. In the name of “safety” and “morals,” the town’s preacher, Rev. Shaw Moore, is the voice of control, a control which he cannot maintain in his own home. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel, sets her sights on Ren, it sets off a firestorm of conflict that forces everyone in town through a crucible of struggle and self-examination. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for a lost son, and a son aching for the father who walked out on him.
Set to the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score, Footloose’s soundtrack hit number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million copies. Footloose explodes on the Earl Smith Strand stage as a celebration of the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
Footloose the Musical will be directed by Earl Reece and Assistant Director Catherine Rhodes with musical direction by Harris Wheeler. Stars Zach Seabaugh as Ren McCormack, Kelsey Brodeur as Ariel Moore, Marc Patterson as Reverend Shaw Moore, Chad Yochum as Chuck Cranston, Tierra Porter as Rusty, and Joe Arnotti as Willard.
Tickets are $20-35 and assigned seating. Footloose will run August 16 & 17 @ 8pm; August 18 @3pm, August 22, 23, & 24 @ 8pm; and August 25 @ 3pm.
Music by Tom Snow | Lyrics by Dean Pitchford | Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie | Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford | Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman
The historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand’s mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information or tickets, visit www.EarlSmithStrand.org or the Box Office at 770-293-0080 or 117 North Park Square, Marietta, 30060. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and two hours before the show.