By performing in “Footloose” on April 21-24, students involved in the production of the spring musical had the ability to express their love for musical theater and dance.
“Footloose” follows the storyline of Chicago native Ren McCormack as he navigates the small town of Bomont, where dancing is illegal.
Ren befriends local Willard Hewitt, who according to senior Dan Micsion, “always listens to his mama and does not know how to dance.”
Micsion portrayed Willard in the “Footloose” adaptation and enjoyed performing the song “Mama Says”, in which his character sings about his devotion to his mother.
Sophomore Jackson Rohrbaugh played Bickle, another Bomont local Ren befriended.
Rohrbaugh also enjoyed performing “Mama Says”, as well as playing the character.
“We just kind of got to be goofy in the background scenes. We made random stuff up to do when we got bored and just supposed to be sitting there, like playing rock, paper, scissors shoot,” Rohrbaugh said.
Rehearsals began in January, implementing a tactic called blocking that layouts actors’ movements on stage. Some earlier rehearsals may only need certain people present.
As the musical approaches, rehearsals may take place three to four times a week.
In addition, some students practiced outside of rehearsal.
Senior Jamie Alderfer, who played Bomont resident Urleen, would run through songs at home to ensure she knew her parts.
“When you get to rehearsal, you kind of get to run through things a couple of times, but you don’t have endless time to learn everything,” Alderfer said, “definitely a lot of work that isn’t seen, but it’s so much fun to put all the work into it.”
Outside of the musical, many cast members formed bonds with other students and created memories.
“We all always talk about how the friends that you meet in theater are just so unmatched to friends you meet anywhere else,” senior Jamie Alderfer said, “there’s just such a family aspect.”
The family environment was also observed by junior Felicia Cappiello, who played Lulu Warnicker.
“When you’re all doing shows, we’re all very supportive of each other. We’re all really excited backstage for other people performing on stage,” Cappiello said, “and it’s just a really supportive little family.”
In addition, cast members gather together for cast parties to celebrate the production.
“The cast parties are always fun because everyone’s in the same room and all just hanging out,” Rohrbaugh said.
In order to safely perform “Descendents” last year, many changes were implemented to reduce the risks of COVID-19, such as a double cast and mask requirements.
Although many of these changes were not in place this year, some cast members expressed changes they wish to have seen.
“I would prefer to have a live pit. I know that was in the plans for my 10th-grade year, but because of Covid we didn’t have it and last year we had tracks because we couldn’t have a pit. Then, this year is basically the same deal,” Micsion said.
The last time the spring musical had a live pit was in the production of “Mary Poppins” in 2019.
Alderfer, who performed in “Mary Poppins” her freshman year, also wishes the live pit would return.
“I really hope they can get a live pit back in, in the future years,” Alderfer said.
Cappiello saw this Souderton adaptation as an eighth-grader and looked forward to becoming involved as a high schooler with the musical.
“I saw ‘Mary Poppins’. It was the first Souderton musical I ever saw,” Cappiello said. “I was so excited to go to high school and do the musicals.”
In addition, Cappiello encourages people to show support by attending the productions.
“I think it’s just a really great way to support people who love music, love dancing, performing, doing what they love and just having a fun time,” Cappiello said.
“We work really hard for the musical it’s good when there’s a lot of people in the audience and we feel like it was all worth it.”
Many senior cast members have been involved all four years with the musical.
“Every night during the finale it just made me so emotional. It was just such a bittersweet moment because everyone was having so much fun and singing our hearts out,” Alderfer said. “And every time that we did it, I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh! This is the end of another show.’ But it was so much fun and it was just so happy and sad at the same time.”