Footloose comes to school stage

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

The Strathmore High Schools’ drama department is getting set for their year-end production, Footloose, filled with familiar dance moves and a live band May 30 to June 5.

Drama teacher extraordinaire Deanne Bertsch is excited to showcase this classic, which hasn’t been performed at the high school under her direction before. 

This production is multi-cast; there are four casting groups, which means that different actors play different roles throughout the showcase. So, an actor might be a main role one night and a background cast member the next. This gives more opportunity to those who want to play a more main role or lead role. 

As with many of Bertsch’s performances, she incorporates as many students that want to be involved as possible. From actors, to set design, to technical students running microphones and music. 

“All together there are about 65 maybe even more, maybe 70 students involved,” said Bertsch. “So that’s awesome.” 

Bertsch said that with a cast this size and having it be multiple casts, the actors need to do a lot of independent rehearsals – which they are embracing like the professionals that they are. 

“I try (to) never repeat any plays, so I think every play I’ve done at Strathmore High is the first time I’ve ever done it,” she said, adding that there was another teacher years ago who did the play Footloose, but they did it as more of a dance production. “It was one of my favourites as a kid growing up back in the 80’s. I think the play version is actually better than the old Kevin Bacon movie.”

The story is what draws Bertsch and her students into this play and they feel will captivate the audience. It’s about a dad who lost his son because he was partying. So, the dad, who is also a reverend in this small town, tries to shut partying down. 

The new kid, Ren McCormack, who was abandoned by his father, comes to town with his mother and rebels because he loves to dance and he gets the other kids to dance. 

“To have the freedom to celebrate youth and dance and have a great time,” said Bertsch. “I’m really proud of them for that.” 

She said that some of these students also choreographed Grease last May and also Matilda at Christmas. 

There will also be a number of international students participating in Footloose, which is always a delight for Bertsch. 

“Some even volunteering their time outside of class because they couldn’t fit the class (drama) into their schedule. So that’s really fun,” she said. “They say it’s a real treat to be involved.”

As with Grease last year, there will be a four-piece live band accompanying the actors nightly with two members being high school students. This aspect really adds to the details and depth of the play and makes it a fun experience for the audience. 

Opening night is May 30 at 7 p.m. and runs nightly with additional matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. until June 5. 

Tickets can be purchased at the door or you can pre-ordered by email (adrianna.kiemeny@ghsd75.ca). Alternatively, a QR code can be found on the numerous posters around town and at the Strathmore High School, where tickets can also be purchased.