This year, Green High School’s musical theater program will perform Footloose for its fall production on Nov. 14, 15 and 16. The show will feature two casts: the Preacher’s Cast and the Dancer’s Cast. The Preacher’s Cast will take the stage Friday and Sunday, while the Dancer’s Cast will perform Saturday.
“I’m excited about the show and trying out something new. And the costumes,” said Veda Laury, ’27. The cast includes both experienced and first-time performers, with 1980s-inspired costumes such as Converse sneakers and denim jackets.
In the Preacher’s Cast, the story follows Ren, played by Anthony McMichel III, who moves from Chicago to the small town of Beaumont with his mother, played by Sofia Pesevski. There, he meets Ariel, played by Kaylee Miller, a rebellious preacher’s daughter. The musical centers on Ren’s struggle to adjust to small-town life and his efforts to overturn Beaumont’s ban on dancing.
Originally a 1984 film, Footloose was adapted into a Broadway musical in 1998. It features well-known songs such as “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and has received four Tony Award nominations.
The cast practices during Block A every morning, rehearsing songs, lines and choreography for the show’s high-energy dance numbers. “My favorite dance number is ‘Still Rockin’’ because I get to dance with Jac, who is my lead opposite,” said McKenna Palmer, ’28, who plays Urleen in the Dancer’s Cast. “It’s repetitive, easy to do and fun to perform.”
The production brings together students from across activities — football players, band members and dancers — who have formed a close bond through rehearsals. “I like getting to hang out with my friends and seeing the process go from nothing to something,” said Cole Miller, ’29.
Tickets are $5 for high school students and $10 for adults. “I think people should watch it because it’s relevant today and offers solutions people haven’t thought of,” said Kaylee Miller, ’26. “It’s a great musical for families to bond over.”
