A family-friendly 'Footloose'
Eighties enthusiasts can experience a "blast from the past" at Pheasant Run this month.
Performers from the Noble Fool Theatrical Youth Ensemble present the musical "Footloose" this weekend and next.
Although this production is similar to the hit 1984 movie, complete with the popular songs and dance moves, audience members will find it much more family friendly than the screen version.
"Ours is definitely G-rated," said Noble Fool theatricals educational coordinator Tracy Whiteside.
The cast includes 11- to 17- year-olds from the Fox Valley area and beyond. Each child auditioned in September and has been rehearsing since October.
Since many of them have performed in quite a few other productions, they are considered seasoned performers.
"Many of them rival professional performers," Whiteside said.
Whiteside also pointed out that children at the elementary and middle school level don't have as many opportunities to participate in theatrical performances and "Footloose" has given them their chance.
"This is a great creative outlet for kids," she said. "It builds their confidence and self-esteem."
The ensemble was founded nearly a year ago and is designed to give everyone interested a chance to participate in theater. Various classes are also available.
The group has also put on popular musicals including "High School Musical," "Schoolhouse Rock" and "Annie."
"The kids get a really high-quality experience," Whiteside said.
Two performances have taken place already but tickets are still available for the remaining productions, which are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Dec. 22.
Call (630) 584-6342 for tickets and information. Tickets are $13.
The cast
The musical is directed by Ken Jones of Wayne. Choreographer is Janel Bach.
Youth Ensemble members are:
Aurora: John Chandler
Bartlett: Tommy Barrett, Corey Williams
Batavia: David Gotfryd
Bloomingdale: Angelina Fato
Carol Stream: Olivia Edmunds-Diaz, Sami Lauf
Geneva: Kelly Barabasz, Megan Grant, Stuart Kofron, Matt Kuyawa, Allison Slattery, Joe Soldati, Luke Totman, Tyler Vaughn, Dan Velisek, Val Zawada
Itasca: Nicole Giametta
Naperville: Hannah Krusinger, Emily Sanderson
St. Charles: Alex Adams, Jessica England, Michael Fairbanks, Megan Gill, Barbara Homan, Beth Kahan, Sarah Beth Rabin, Rachel Whiteside
Sugar Grove: Leah Richards
West Chicago: Connor Montgomery, Emma Roberts
Winfield: Nadia Pelletier