Schools
West Middle to Perform 80s Classic Footloose
Footloose is a musical based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon.
Last Thursday's snow storm forced after school activities to be cancelled at . But a group of students pleaded with their drama director for some extra practice time on their soon-to-be performed musical Footloose.
"That actually made my day because it showed how much they enjoyed rehearsing and how dedicated they are," said West Middle School drama director Adam Sapienza.
Sapienza, who held auditions for the musical in late October, is a Special Education teacher at West Middle School during the day.
Find out what's happening in Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
After holding auditions for the musical in late October, Sapienza is now ready for the opening of his production of Footloose on Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m. On Saturday, March 17, a second performance will begin at 7 p.m. A final performance will take place on Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m.
"It's a high action show," said Sapienza. "There's lots of dancing, lots of color, and lots of excitement," he continued.
Find out what's happening in Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I picked it because its going to make kids stretch their acting abilities," Sapienza explained. Students' dancing abilities will also be featured throughout the show. "It's going to be a good chance for them to grow as performers," he said.
Footloose the musical is based on the 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon as Ren MacCormack, a city kid who moves from Chicago to Texas to live with his aunt and uncle.
He finds himself in a small town that is initially not friendly to outsiders. He also comes to learn that the town has actually made dancing illegal due to a tragic accident that occurred years ago.
A second film version was released in 2011 that featured one of the same writers as the original cut.
"It's a family show," said Sapienza. "We're expecting a pretty large crowd." This is the first time West Middle School has performed a musical three times.
As for the students, "They're incredibly excited," Sapienza said.
"I tell young actors to read the script two or three times when they first get it," Sapienza explained. His young cast and crew will put their talents on display in just over a week.
Tickets are available through contacting cast members and they will also be on sale at the door prior to the show.
