HHS Footlight Players Cut Footloose!

Get ready to revive the 80's all over again when the multi-talented Harrison High School Footlight Players put on the classic 80's teen cult phenomenon production opening night of "Footloose".

The production runs until March 20 at the Harrison Hight School Performing Arts Center. This rendition is based on the hit film that made actor Kevin Bacon famous. The story is about a small town that outlaws dancing and partying in the streets, it made it to Broadway in the 90's.

The main characters in the play are all seniors, but the ensemble and the other cast members are mixed with freshman, sophomores and juniors. The play stars Devon Krobetzky as Ren McCormack, the main protagonist, Kelly Curtis as the female lead, Ariel Moore, and Victoria Moscato as Ren's mother, Ethel McCormack. An entire ensemble rounds out the cast. 

The music was composed by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford. It features the self-proclaimed hit "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins, and "Almost Paradise" by Eric Carmen. Other music is by Sammy Hagar and Jim Steinman. The show was directed by Jason Summers, while the music was directed and produced by Lynn Fusco. The set was designed by Eric Zoback, Wardrobe Designer Michelle Barnstable, Sound Designer Cliff Bruno, Lighting Design by Lisa and Michael Kimmel, and Technical Director Stephanie Goldman.

Those who survived the 80's era, take a trip down memory lane in high school with the trendy fashions and the pop-rock bubble gum tunes.

Senior Mack Rosenberg  (Rev. Shaw Moore) said that his part was perfect for him because he's not a dancer and the part did not require dancing.

"My character Rev. Moore, his deal is his son died in an accident while partying, dancing etc. and he died, and ever since that moment for Shaw Moore life has been about isolating everybody from dancing and having fun and he basically wants no wildness," Rosenberg said.  

Devon Krobetzky, who plays Ren, said he's been in Footloose three times, but this is the first time he has had the lead role.

"I wanted to do something different since I haven't played Ren yet," Krobetzky said. "My character Ren comes from Chicago and loves to party and have a good time and he loves enjoying life."

Lance Troiano, who plays Chuck Cranston, really wanted the part of Ren but was glad to get the part of Cranston.

"It all worked out as it did because we fit into our characters in our own ways so it works out for the better," Troiano said. "We're real comfortable with each other, but we're more confident that the show will be a success--it's not necessarily the style of the show, it's more the show itself." 

Senior Nick Cocciardi plays Wes Warnicker, Ren's uncle.

"This is my fourth show, I've never had a name role before in productions and, as long as its a name role, I'm completely excited--drama is a big thing that I do in the school throughout the year," said Cocciardi.

Senior Jen Parravani plays one of Ariel's best friends (Wendi Jo) in the trio Rusty, Wendi Jo, and Urleen.

"We basically help Ariel out with her situation and comment on the behavior that's going on in the town of Bomont, and we sing a song called "Somebody's Eyes" where we talk about how everyones always watching you and how Ren can never really get out of the town's shadow," Parravani said.

Senior Marisa Urgo is the president of the Footlight Players and has been in musical productions since her freshman year. She plays Eleanor Dunbar, the coaches wife. She finds her character to be a "groovy, lovely, woman."

"I didn't audition for Eleanor Dunbar originally--I wanted more of a lead role because it's my senior year and I'm really involved with this and I'm taking the role that I've been given and really going for it and try to bring to my character, who doesn't have much personality, and bring her to life."

The acting, singing and dancing are amazing! The entire cast and crew put out all the stops to make this production enjoyable for all ages!

For ticket information call 914-630-3110. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children, seniors and students.