Carl Albert students performing ‘Footloose’

School is out, but the show must go on.

Students at Carl Albert middle and high schools will present the musical “Footloose” next week as part of a new summer vocal music program.

The group will have nightly performances on June 23-25 at the Carl Albert High School auditorium. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $5 and will be sold starting at 6:30 p.m. before each performance. Tickets can also be purchased in advance from cast members or by emailing mindydenn@yahoo.com.

Mindy Dennison, vocal music teacher at Carl Albert High School, said the summer program helps students improve their talents and gain experience on stage. It also serves as a promotional and fundraising tool for Carl Albert High School’s vocal music program.

“This is something that keeps kids engaged in the summer and hopefully we can recruit some more students and raise little money for our program,” Dennison said. “We have to pay 100 percent for the program so anything leftover will go towards that.”

The cast and crew are made up of about 40 teachers and students. The group has been working on the performance nearly every day since school let out.

“There has been a learning curve for all of us,” said Dennison, who is preparing for her second year at Carl Albert High School. “I’ve been learning about the facility and technology here and the kids are getting to know me and getting used to how I run rehearsals and shows.”

Dennison said the cast includes a wide range of experience levels. Some of the high school students have performed in musicals and plays before, while others are making their stage debut.

“We’re asking them to do what professionals on Broadway and they’re rising to the challenge,” she said.
The group’s more experienced high school students are enjoying the chance to learn and perform during summer break.

“We have done plays together in middle school and high school and we love Ms. Dennison were excited she decided to put this on in the summer,” said Jaylen Wilson who plays Ren McCormack.

Audrey Allard, who plays the role of Rusty, hopes their production will inspire younger students.

“I think once more kids see the show they will be inspired to this, because I know that’s how I was,” she said. “After I saw plays when I was younger I wanted to be up on the stage.”

Dennison chose “Footloose” because of its popularity and simple set and costume design. She also performed the musical 10 years ago at Choctaw High School. The musical tells the tale of a teen from Chicago who moves to a small town that has outlawed dancing and rock music. The film debuted in 1984 and a stage adaptation followed in 1998.

The choice has been a hit with the students. And hopefully it will be the same for their parents.

“My parents really love it because it’s music from their day,” said Logan Wright who plays Willard.
Other high school students in lead roles include Amber Garcia (Ariel Moore), Taylor Christmon (Urleen) and Keely Dooley (Wendy Jo).