Riverland Theatre ‘Kicks Off Its Sunday Shoes’ with ‘Footloose the Musical’
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, April 23, 2025
The cast of “Footloose the Musical” kicks off a Tuesday night rehearsel at Frank W. Bridges Theatre. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Samuel Langstaff (Ren McCormack) rehearses a scene from the Riverland Theatre production of “Footloose the Musical” with Diane Petrik (Ethel McCormack) Tuesday night in Frank W. Bridges Theatre. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
John Stanley, playing Rev. Shaw Moore, sings during rehearsel Tuesday night for the upcoming Riverland Theatre production of “Footloose the Musical.” Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Samuel Langstaff, playing the part of Ren McCormack, rehearses a scene from “Footloose the Musical” Tuesday night in Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Jannel Howard, playing the part of Ariel Moore, (right) rehearses a scene from “Footloose the Musical” with other cast members Tuesday night in Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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Riverland Theatre will close out its 2024-2025 season with “Footloose the Musical,” based on the energetic rhythms of its Oscar and Tony-nominated score from the iconic film.
Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small town where dancing is banned by a strict local preacher. As Ren challenges the town’s rigid rules, he catches the eye of the preacher’s rebellious daughter, sparking tension with her boyfriend and the community. The story explores the clash between generations and the healing power of music.
Susan V Hansen is directing, John Deyo is the technical director and designer and Brian Johnson is the musical director. Marny Rohr is the choreographer and costumes are led by Madlain Vander.
Kayla Byram is the Stage Manager.
“Footloose the musical” stars Samuel Langstaff (Ren McCormack), Diane Petrik (Ethel McCormack), John Stanley (Reverend Shaw Moore), Paulina Lopez Aguirre (Vi Moore), Jannel Howard (Ariel Moore), Celeste Aria Rose (Lulu Warnicker), Lucas Johnson (Wes Warnicker) Jon Cochran (Coach Roger Dunbar), Emma Brekke (Eleanor Dunbar), Tehya Orr (Rusty), Ella Nack (Urleen), Hannah Zerke (Wendy Jo), Antonio Morales (Chuck Cranston), Ethan Brandt (Lyle), Bryan Cruz Vasquez (Travis), Maggie Bremner (Betty Blast/Cowboy Bob), Caden Strampe (Willard Hewitt) Molly Robins (Principal Harriet Clark), Ryan Capp (Jeter), Justin Stork (Bickle/Cop) Ashlyn Strampe (Garvin), Moyra Voigt (Mable/Irene), Olivia Mix (Autumn/Cowgirl), and Renae Clark (Jesse/Cowgirl).
“When we chose this musical,” director Susan Hansen said, “we thought it would be fun and uplifting, which it is. As we began to work on it, we realized the depth of the content that is universal to everyone. How do we cope with grief, continue to move forward, and not stand still or keep looking back? People need to be heard and understood for healthy relationships to thrive. We hope you come away from this show with renewed energy, reflection, and a desire to move forward in connection. Ev’rybody cut footloose.”
“Footloose the Musical” will be performed April 23-26 at 7 p.m., and April 27 at 2 p.m. in the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on Riverland’s Austin Campus. Individual tickets to Footloose the musical are $16. Tickets are currently on sale at www.riverland.edu/tickets 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The online ticketing system allows customers to pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. The on-campus box office will be open for in person sales in the theatre lobby one hour prior to each performance. Riverland students receive two free tickets with a valid student ID. Contact the box office at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.
