Footloose is red hot!

Whatever the temperature outside, this July it’s going to be in the mid 80s!

At least that’s the case on stage at The Courtyard Theatre when Repertory Company Theatre’s 1980s pop musical, Footloose, cuts loose July 18-27 for a two weekend run. Though the show is red hot, the audience will stay cool in the charming Courtyard Theatre. This Broadway hit is based on the 1984 film that made a star out of Kevin Bacon.The film also starred John Lithgow and Diane Weist as the town’s minister and his wife who clash with the young outsider, Ren McCormick played by Bacon.The movie also marked the film debut of Sarah Jessica Parker.

Written by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, Footloose, The Musical will be directed by Michelle Breedlove, RCT resident director/choreographer andchoreographed by Kym Buchly who is also playing the role of Rusty (played by Parker in the movie). Featuring a young, dynamic cast, this fast paced musical has some of the slickest dance routines you can see on stage. The show also

serves up some classic 80s hits, Holding Out For A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the title track, Footloose.

Footloose has a special place in our musical psyche.Most of us can remember our first Footloose experience. Robin Clayton (Richardson actress playing Urleen) explains “ Footloose, the movie was actually made two years before I was born so it's a little "before my time". It was never a movie I sought out to seebut I do remember that the last time RCT performed Footloose (6 years ago) the movie was playing on television, most likely VH1, and I watched it then. The movie and the musical are definitely very different from one another, and as much as I love Sarah Jessica Parker, I think since I was exposed to the musical first I am biased and really prefer the musical”Jennifer McMillin (Lakehighlands actress playing Vi Moore) tells of her first Footloose experience “I first saw the movie, Footloose when I was 10 years old. I remember thinking how beautiful all of the dresses were that the girls wore to the prom! I was only 10.”Choreographer, Kym Buchly tells of her first Footloose viewing: “ I can't really remember when I first saw the movie, but I do remember loving Kevin Bacon. There was just something great about how he danced with such intensity. And the final dance scene created such a feeling of letting go and being free. Loved it!”

Performances are Fridays & Saturdays 7:30, Sundays 2:00, The Courtyard Theatre 1509 Ave H, Plano. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors, $12 youth and can be purchased by calling 972-690-5029.Show is sponsored by the Plano Cultural Affairs Commission.