Mound Westonka High School’s spring production of “Footloose” was recognized for its accomplishments in high school theater by the Hennepin Theatre Trust as a participant in the Spotlight Education program. MWHS Theatre wrapped a successful production run of the musical in April.
One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory, “Footloose” came to life on stage. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home.
When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. “Footloose” celebrated the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
MWHS Theatre received the following Spotlight honors:
• Honorable Mention in Ensemble Acting Performance
• Honorable Mention Overall Technical Team
• Honorable Mention Run Crew
• Honorable Mention Sound Crew
• Honorable Mention Light Crew
Individual Honors
• Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role - Jack Hanson (12) as Reverend Shaw Moore
• Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role - Hannah Christenson (10) as Ariel Moore
• Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role - Haylee Larson (11) as Vi Moore
• Honorable Mention in a Leading Role - Tristen Larson (11) as Ren McCormack
• Honorable Mention in a Supporting Role - Joseph Wolf (12) as Willard Hewitt
• Honorable Mention in a Featured Role - Bri Elliott (10) as Urleen
• Honorable Mention in Technical Leadership - Claire Lynch-Bastide (11) as Stage Manager
• Honorable Mention in Technical Leadership - Payton Waltz (10) as ASM/Board Operator
• Honorable Mention in Technical Leadership - Emerine Levitz (11) as Board Operator
Evaluator Shout-Outs
• Ava Fraser (12) as Student Choreographer and Ethel McCormack
• Ensemble Vocal Performance
• Ensemble Overall Performance
• Overall Technical Production
Overall Performance
“These students were a joy to work with and develop as a singing ensemble,” said musical director Melissa Bray. “They came with many different levels of singing experience, and it is incredible how they worked together to make the music come alive. I love the growth and musicianship I saw throughout the entire rehearsal process that culminated in fantastic performances.”
Spotlight Education honors and supports Minnesota high school musical theater students and programs. Spotlight honors high school musicals and students by formally recognizing the extraordinary achievements and process of developing young artists, onstage and offstage, in Minnesota’s high school musical theater programs. The process of evaluation for the Spotlight Program includes a pre-evaluation, a technical evaluation, and three performance evaluations.
“I enjoyed being a part of the Production Team for ‘Footloose’,” said Bray. “The cast and crew worked extremely hard to put on a great show for their audiences. They should feel a great sense of accomplishment and hopefully had a lot of fun as well! I am proud of each one of these students for their hard work, growth, and dedication to the show!
The show was directed by Jamie Harms, with assistant direction from Joe Lawrence. Melissa Bray served as musical director and pit director was Jim Lansing. Scenic design and technical direction were provided by Joshua Barnd. Harms also served as choreographer, while Mary Todd Kaercher did costume design.
Most Popular
Comments / 0