Everybody will be cutting loose when Schaumburg On Stage presents the musical stage version of the recent Hollywood sensation, FOOTLOOSE, from January 20th through January 29th at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Now in its 15th season, Schaumburg On Stage, the Northwest Suburb's Premier Theater Company for Young Actors, will feature Geanna Fank, 17, of Elk Grove Village and Shannon Corey, 16, of Barrington as Ariel, the rebellious small town preacher’s daughter, with Tim Ackerlund, 17, of Schaumburg and RJ Cecott, 19, of Hickory Hills, as the troublemaking, big-city boy, Ren.
The production features talented actors, singers and dancers from all over the Chicagoland area. Schaumburg On Stage cast members have appeared in countless area theatrical productions and a growing number of cast members have enjoyed professional experience in film, commercials and modeling as well.
Nathan Spees, 18, of Schaumburg, takes on two roles as both the conservative Rev. Moore and the loveable side-kick, Willard, in alternating performances. He shares the role of Rev. Moore with Jarett La Berg, 20, and the role of Willard with Jon Knitter, 17, both of Schaumburg. Rounding out the cast of leads is Samantha Gatwood, 17, of Elk Grove Village and Lea Cartina, 18, of Wooddale as Rusty; Ally Knowles, 18, of Chicago and Liz Smiley, 18, of Roselle as Ethel; Dan Ortiz, 17, of Schaumburg and Ralph Pulice, 19, of Wooddale, as Chuck, and Justine Venegoni, 17, of Hoffman Estates and Natalie Ragusin, 18, of Medinah as Vi.
The production is lead by directors/producers Carol Lynch and Kerrie Noah and musical directors Rosemarie Aiello and John Hacker. Danielle Zyrkowski joins the production staff as assistant director and choreographer. Zyrkowski, a Schaumburg On Stage alumni, played the role of Ariel in SOS’s first production of Footloose several years ago. Returning with a fine arts degree and professional experience in New York, she has also been recently hired to choreograph the musical Oliver at Conant High School in Schaumburg.
The cast of over 90 performers ranging in age from 8 to 21 years of age have been rehearsing since October preparing for this musical blockbuster featuring songs popularized by the 1984 original movie production and the 2011 remake. It is sure to be a performance that will have audiences dancing in their seats.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20, 21, 27 and 28th, and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 21, 22, 28, and 29th at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court in Schaumburg, Illinois. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors age 62 and older. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Schaumburg On Stage at 847-345-0092.
