Niwot High School's spring production of "Footloose" opens April 3

Each spring season, Niwot High School presents a musical production ranging from "Mamma Mia" to "Shrek The Musical."

This year, "Footloose," written by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, will be performed for five nights at Niwot High School, beginning April 3. Based on the 1984 film, "Footloose" follows the story of a new senior at Bomont High School (Ren McCormack) who loves to dance, a local preacher (Reverend Shaw Moore) grasping in the face of loss, and a rebellious young girl (Ariel Moore) finding her way in life.

Under the direction of Laura Walters and Ashley Mouw with help from Student Director Grace Ruth, Student Acting Director Prugh Dunfee, and Student Music Directors Audrey Owen and Kennah Brackett, the show is coming together and nearly ready to open in the upcoming weeks.

Featuring an impressive bridge stretching across the width of the stage and reaching a height of sixteen feet, Niwot High School's technical theater program has put in countless hours to create a beautiful and safe set for the show.

Not only has the technical theater team been busy building the set, they have also been designing lighting, fine-tuning sound, and completing countless other tasks around the theater to ensure that the show runs seamlessly.

Head construction lead and set designer Sara Taylor said, "Footloose has taught me a lot about organization and leadership. In the tech crew. There's so many people with different skill sets, and it was such a big undertaking that I had to get my head straight about what needed to happen when and who was best for what."

With intricate and unique choreography by Mouw and student dance captain Ollie O'Brien, "Footloose" features several exciting dance numbers with a variety of dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, line-dancing, and acrobatics.

The high-energy aspect of each number, both musically and physically, is undoubtedly enjoyable for both the actors and audience members. With dynamic songs such as "I Can't Stand Still" and "Still Rockin'," there is ample room for detailed choreography.

Mouw emphasizes the dance styles of the time period in which "Footloose" is set with a variety of 80s and 90s dance moves such as the Kid 'n Play Kick Step and the Moonwalk.

Not only is O'Brien the Student Dance Captain, they have also taken charge of costume design. O'Brien's talents will be evident as each character will be dressed to impress as a result of their hard work.

O'Brien said, "Being able to be the costume designer for this musical is such a unique experience because all of the costumes are brought in from home, which is so incredible because it allows the cast to feel comfortable in anything we pick together, and it allows for characters that look like real Bomont teenagers."

In addition to the visual aspect of "Footloose," the music of the show is diverse and captivating. From spirited group numbers to poignant small group installments, the music of the show featuring a live orchestra is bound to keep the audience glued to their seats.

Director Walters put hours of work into teaching the tight harmonies and complex rhythms to the group early in the rehearsal process, continuing to refine the group's vocals as rehearsals progress.

This year's cast consists of Camryn Bell, Alison Kraut, Jocelyn Lara Serrano, Ash Kissinger, Kennah Brackett, Elliot DeBusk, Audrey Owen, Gabriella Gravelle, Prugh Dunfee, Olivia DeRose, Sonia Bingham, Ollie O'Brien, Grace DeRose, Kate Nelson, Maddox Wilson, Julia Richardson, Miles Shaw, Colin Foutz, Mathew Teegarden, Cas Clark, Finn O'Connor, Pali Sauer, Tanner Cole, Tula Baker, Piper Likens, Reagan Lachky, Maya Rokhlenko, Sydney Torchalski, Olivia Cesar Cipriani, Soraya Hassan, Honey Holliday, Clara Kerns, Calvin Shee, and Tahlia Massetti.

Opening on Thursday, April 3, every show is at 7:00 p.m. The show will also run on April 4, 10, 11, and 12. Tickets can be purchased at this link, visit vancoevents.com, or through the Niwot Theater Instagram page (@niwot.theater).