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Footloose

  • Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie

  • Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford

  • Music by Tom Snow | Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
  • Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman

  • Directed & Choreographed by Stephen Mear

September 23 – November 1

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater
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The Music. The Magic. The ’80s

Get ready to kick off your heels and feel the beat! The smash-hit film Footloose explodes onto the stage with high-octane choreography and electrifying ’80s anthems, including “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Holding Out for a Hero.” When city teen Ren moves to a small town where dancing is banned, he challenges the rules, sparks romance, and inspires a community to rediscover joy, freedom, and the power of music. Helmed by Olivier Award-winning artist Stephen Mear, who wowed Rep audiences with his choreography for Ragtime and Guys and Dolls, this energetic, feel-good Tony-nominated musical will have you laughing, cheering, and jumping to your feet.

“One of the most extraordinary musicals…blends fantastical situations with important issues and balances them perfectly.” — L.A. Weekly

Approximate Running Time:

2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission

Content: Performance may induce joy, tears, laughter and an urge to dance! Click here for more specific content information.

Seating Chart

About the Musical

Below is a brief summary of Footloose. If you prefer to experience the story without knowing any plot details in advance, we recommend closing this window.

Ren McCormack is the new kid in the small rural town of Bomont. Used to city life filled with music and movement, Ren is shocked to discover that dancing and rock music are outlawed in town due to strict laws imposed by the town minister, Reverend Shaw Moore.  

At school, Ren befriends the kind but awkward Willard Hewitt and meets Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of the Reverend. Ariel is frustrated by her father’s strict rules and begins to grow close to Ren, which angers her hot-headed boyfriend, Chuck Cranston. As Ren struggles to adjust to the town’s rigid environment, he becomes determined to challenge the ban on dancing.  

Ren soon discovers that the law was passed after a tragic accident that killed several teenagers, including Reverend Moore’s son. The community’s grief led the town council to outlaw dancing, believing it would prevent further tragedies. Understanding the pain behind the rules, Ren appeals to the town council and Reverend Moore, arguing that young people need freedom to express themselves.  

Through persistence, compassion, and the support of his friends, Ren eventually helps the town move on from the past and reconsider the ban. Reverend Moore ultimately gives his blessing for a dance to take place, allowing the teenagers—and the entire community—to celebrate together in a joyful final number. 

Accessibility Dates

Milwaukee Rep offers a variety of accessibility services and seating options to help ensure a welcoming experience for all guests. The Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater features wheelchair, wheelchair transfer, companion, bariatric, and no-step seating. Look for the accessibility key on the seating chart when purchasing tickets.

To learn more about our accessibility services, explore our full Access Program or contact our Ticket Office at 414-224-9490.

Audio Description 
Tuesday, September 29, 6:30pm

American Sign Language (ASL)
Friday, October 9, 7:30pm

Closed Captions via the GalaPro app
Thursday, October 1, 7:30pm
Wednesday, October 7, 1:30pm
Saturday, October 10, 3:00pm
Sunday, October 18, 2:00pm
Wednesday, October 21, 1:30pm
Friday, October 23, 7:30pm

 Program
Presented by David Kundert

Corporate Sponsor
PNC Personal Banking

Executive Producers
Tracy & Michael Askotzky
Maureen McCabe
Beverly & Tony Petullo

Associate Producer
Elaine Pagedas

 

“This breezy musical is an incredibly fun trip down memory lane.”

— BroadwayWorld

“High-energy, vibrant, and fun… set to a nostalgia-tinged soundtrack.”

— DC Theater Arts

In Rehearsal
"I'm Free / Heaven Help Me"

In Rehearsal

Cast

Manuel Abreú

Garvin / Boy 2

Victoria Byrd*

Urleen

Matthew Callas

Travis, U/S Willard

Allyson Kaye Daniel*

Lulu Warnicker, U/S Ethel

Rae Davenport*

Ethel McCormack

Marjorie Failoni*

Eleanor Dunbar / Betty Blast, U/S Vi

Nicolas Garza*

Cowboy Bob / Cop

Jackey Good*

Vi Moore

Galen Graff

Bickle, Boy 3, U/S Chuck

Olivia Hellman*

Rusty

Dimonte Henning*

Coach Roger Dunbar

Steven Koehler*

Rev. Shaw Moore

Andre Lajevardi*

Lyle

Giulia Marolda

Ensemble, U/S Wendy Jo

Niki Metcalf*

Wendy Jo, U/S Rusty

Adam Moxness

Swing

James Patterson*

Principal Harry Clark, U/S Shaw

Keyon Pickett*

Ren McCormack

Maddie Robert*

Ariel Moore
9/23-10/11

Justin Wolfe Smith*

Chuck Cranston

Stephanie Staszak

Swing

Rafaela Torchia

Ensemble, U/S Urleen

Kate Turner

Ensemble, U/S Ariel

Tarrick Walker

Jeter / Boy 1, U/S Ren

Steve Watts*

Wes Warnicker

Natalie Welch*

Ariel Moore
10/14-11/1

Jazmin Wilkins

Ensemble, U/S Lulu

Carson Zoch*

Willard Hewitt

Band

Dan Kazemi

Conductor / Keyboard

Jon Lovas

Reeds

Robert Monagle

Guitar 1

Patrick Morrow

Drums

Chris Newlin

Guitar 2

Colin O'Day

Percussion

Alissa Rhode

Keyboard #2

Michael Ritter

Bass

Dan Kazemi

Conductor / Keyboard

Dan Kazemi

Conductor / Keyboard

Creative Team

Stephen Mear

Director & Choreographer

Dan Kazemi

Music Director

Dan Kazemi

Music Director

Dan Kazemi

Music Director

Todd Edward Ivins

Scenic Designer

Raquel Adorno

Costume Designer

Jason Fassl

Lighting Designer

Cricket S. Myers

Sound Designer

Jill Walmsley-Zager

Voice & Dialect Coach

Jonathan Hetler, CSA

Casting Director

Michael Donovan Casting Michael Donvan, CSA, Richie Ferris, CSA

Additional Casting

Kevin Disch

Associate Music Director

Mark Johnson*

Stage Manager

Kira Neighbors*

Assistant Stage Manager

Sydney Rae Smith*

Assistant Stage Manager

Naya Tadavarthy

Associate Costume Designer

María Amenábar Farias

Casting Associate

John Tanner

Music Contractor

Rashaad Bond

Assistant Director

Marjorie Failoni

Assistant Choreographer / Dance Captain

Greg Geffrard & Chels Morgan

Cultural Consultants

Chels Morgan

Violence & Intimacy

Petr William

Assistant Lighting Designer

Addi James

Stage Management Apprentice

Laura Braza

Line Producer

Ryan Looke

Line Producer

* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Pre-Show Experiences

Make a night of it with special events and activities before the performance. All events held in the Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center.

Cut Loose, Footloose!
(Adult Sessions)

Section I: Sat. Oct. 3, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Section II: Sat. Oct. 17, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Instructor: Stephanie Staszak
Cost: $25 per person

Grab your leg warmers and get ready to cut loose in this fun dance workshop featuring choreography from the show’s iconic title number. Open to all adult experience levels!

Cut Loose, Footloose!
(Youth Sessions)

Section I: Sat. Oct. 3, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Section II: Sat. Oct. 17, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Instructor: Stephanie Staszak
Cost: $25 per person

Grab your leg warmers and get ready to cut loose in this fun dance workshop featuring choreography from the show’s iconic title number. Open to all those 17 and under.

Dinner Dialogue

Sunday, October 18, 5:00pm
Cost: $30 per person, excludes Footloose show ticket 

Teen Voices Instigating Change
Throughout history, young people have been at the forefront of social change. Explore the role of youth advocacy, the power of being heard, and why teen voices continue to shape conversations and communities. Consider how we can better support and empower the next generation of leaders.

Post-Show Experiences

Extend your theater experience with special events and activities after the performance.

The Night Cap: Show Tunes Sing-Along!

Post-Show - Thursday, September 24
Level 2 of the Haack Galleria

Keep the music going after the show with a Show Tunes Sing-Along! Join a live pianist and fellow theater lovers for an evening of Broadway favorites, musical theater classics, and plenty of opportunities to sing along. Free with your show ticket.

Panel: Teen Voice and Censorship

Post-Show - Tuesday, September 29

What happens when young voices are silenced? Inspired by the themes of Footloose, this dynamic panel featuring teens, educators and more explores the power of self-expression, the impact of censorship, and the role young people play in shaping culture and community. From book bans and student activism to artistic freedom and free speech, panelists will examine why amplifying teen voices matters now more than ever.

TalkBacks

The conversation continues after the show. Stay in your seat for a post-show TalkBack with members of the cast. Free with your show ticket.

Friday, October 2 after the performance
Friday, October 16 after the performance

Afterwards

Dates: Fridays, Oct. 9, 16 & 23
Location: Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center

The show's over, but the party's just getting started! Stick around after Footloose and join us for our totally rad '80s Dance Party—hit the dance floor, show off your best moves, and keep the fun going all night! Free with the cost of your ticket, no reservations required. 

October 9 – 80s Dance Party
October 16 – Teen Dance Party
October 23 – 80s Dance Party

Dinner Dialogue

Sunday, October 18, 5:00pm
Location: Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center 
Cost: $30 per person, excludes Footloose show ticket 

Teen Voices Instigating Change
Throughout history, young people have been at the forefront of social change. Explore the role of youth advocacy, the power of being heard, and why teen voices continue to shape conversations and communities. Consider how we can better support and empower the next generation of leaders.
 

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