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Time to cut loose with Fox Valley Theatre's 'Footloose'

Fox Valley Theatre Company will present "Footloose the Musical" over two weekends, Sept. 9-18. Directed by Allison Cherry, the show will play for six performances at the Elgin Community College Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Tickets are on sale now at www.cteelgin.com.

This 1984 classic follows young Ren McCormack as he moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont. Ren quickly realizes he doesn't belong, but that he can help breathe life back into the school and the community with a message of hope and inspiration while reminding us exactly why music and dance is important to implement in our everyday lives.

The cast is made up of performers in ninth grade through 20 years of age.

"It's great to be back to live theater with full audience capacity," said Jessica Yeska the show's producer. "Being an '80s kid myself, I find myself extra excited to be bringing this classic to the stage. We have a great group of talented, eager, energetic performers who will be sure to do the classic justice and give you all a true theatrical experience."

Director Allison Cherry not only works with FVTC, but is also associated with Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, a group dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful recreational experiences.

In keeping with the spirit of inclusion, FVTC will be offering a sensory-friendly performance option Sunday, Sept. 11. The performance space will be adjusted to provide a positive experience for those who have epilepsy, are autistic, neurodivergent, or otherwise prefer a performance without intense sensory input. The performance will be different in the way lights and sound are used and will have minimal effects.

In addition, the Friday, Sept. 16, performance will include an American Sign Language interpretation.

"I am proud to be part of an organization that ensures our performances are available to more of our community members," said Cherry, who has been a part of CTE/FVTC since she was 7 years old.

"There is magic in the theater, and everyone is in need of a little magic in their lives these days,"

"Footloose the Musical" performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 and 16; Saturday, Sept. 10 and 17; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 and 18.

The college does not require masks, but it is encouraged. There will not be on-site COVID vaccination or test checks for audience members.

Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors and available at www.elgin.edu/arts-center/tickets/ or by calling (847) 622-0300.

Children's Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company is an Illinois 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation in-residence at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. The organization is supported by grants from the EFS Foundation, Palmer Foundation, Grand Victoria Foundation, Arts Midwest, Target, The Seigle Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

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