Upcoming Event: "Footloose" on the RHS Stage

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credits: Nicholas Yee Photography

Based on the 1984 hit movie Footloose, the musical Footloose will bring the same story to the RHS stage this upcoming weekend, March 13-15. Teenager Ren McCormack and his family move from Chicago to a small town, Bomont, where the the minister has forbidden dancing and rock music. Ren brings his peers together to fight for their right to dance and in doing so unites his community. This is Rutherford interviewed Director, Courtney McManus, some of the actors in this performance, and the stage manager to learn more about the RHS theatrical production of "Footloose".

TIR: What has been most rewarding about directing Footloose?

Courtney McManus: I enjoy directing dance-heavy productions like Footloose.  It requires an incredibly high level of talent and stamina to execute, and this cast is truly lightning in a bottle.  Their dedication, energy, and genuine passion for theatre have made this season a joy.  I am most excited for them to finally feel the energy of a live Rutherford audience.

TIR: What are you most excited for audiences to see?

CM: The 80s nostalgia!  It's wild to think of Footloose as a "period piece", but we've fully embraced it.  We've channeled that classic energy into every number, and with showstoppers like "Holding Out for a Hero" we're ready to get everyone on their feet.  It's going to be a total celebration of the era.

TIR: Footloose was a movie that was extremely popular in the 1980’s and is still loved by many.  How are the movie and musical similar?  Different?

CM: It's impossible to mention Footloose without thinking of Kevin Bacon and the incredible athleticism he brought to the screen. Because the film is so iconic, doing it justice on stage is a tall order.  We've stayed very true to the original plot that everyone loves, but the musical adds a new layer--featuring original songs written specifically for the stage the help dive deeper into the character's emotions and drive the story forward.

This is Rutherford interviewed three of the main characters in this musical (left to right: Carlos Echeverry, Braedon McQuade, and Nina Tavani).

TIR: Which character do you play in Footloose?

Carlos Echeverry: I play Ren McCormack.

Braedon McQuade: I play Willard Hewitt, Ren's best friend!

Nina Tavani: I play the role of Ariel in Footloose!

TIR: What have you enjoyed most about working on this production?

CE: The thing I’ve enjoyed most is dancing and learning how to be an actor in a production.

BM: It being my 8th and final production here at RHS, I have cherished the camaraderie and loving bond between the cast, crew, and band throughout Footloose!

NT: I have most enjoyed being able to play such a fun, iconic role alongside some of my best friends. This cast is so talented, hard working, and collaborative, and I have truly loved each moment spent with them. Footloose is an incredibly fun show to watch, and likewise to be in!

TIR: What are you most excited for audiences to see?

CE: I’m most excited for the audiences to see the big dance numbers. I think they will really enjoy them.

BM: I am ecstatic for the audience to take a trip back to the 80s with the widely known soundtrack and up-beat dance moves!

NT: I am most excited for audiences to see the energy we have on stage. Our joy is electric. I think that's what makes this show and this program so special.

This is Rutherford interviewed the stage manager about her role in this production.

Nathalie Turner

TIR: Tell us more about your role as stage manager of Footloose.  

Nathalie Turner: My role as the stage manager of Footloose can be separated into a few key responsibilities. During the pre-production stages and rehearsals I take blocking notes and send daily reports to the production team with the help of my two assistant stage managers. During our set builds I help oversee the construction of the set and work with a range of tools and equipment to construct, paint, and design the set and props. During technical rehearsals and soon the performances it is my job to assign roles to the backstage crew and manage set changes. Additionally I will be calling the show, which means giving cues to lights, sound, and backstage crew.

TIR: What have you enjoyed most about working on this production?

NT: To me, the most enjoyable part of working on this production has been the set design. It's a unique blend of problem solving, creativity, and even math that I have come to love since joining the musical last year. It's an incredible learning experience that has exposed me to numerous practical skills.

TIR: What are you most excited for audiences to see?

NT: I am most excited for the audiences to see the sheer amount of talent found both on and off stage. We are so lucky to have a cast full of wonderful actors, dancers, and singers who are truly enjoying the art of theatre. Our crew and directors are equally talented and I believe the audience will be able to see that in everything from the light design to the set design.