Everybody Cut Footloose!

A Shared Stage Productions is proud to announce Footloose as their next all-abilities production! Footloose tells the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager from Chicago who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned.

If you haven't been to A Shared Stage Productions show before, the goal is to unite the shoreline community through theatre by creating a fully inclusive creative experience that will foster friendships and open communication for participants of all abilities. The production team is comprised of experienced theatre professionals, who work with a cast featuring actors and singers from the shoreline community. The show is a celebration of self-expression, a message that Director Lara Morton is excited to share with audiences.

“This is my first year directing A Shared Stage Productions musical, and I am really honored to be here and to be a part of this process,” Lara told us. “The students, members and community actors are so well supported by the program. There's such a feeling of mutual respect here.”

Cast Members of Footloose pose for a photo before this week's rehearsal

The cast members have been rehearsing since February, working hard on the music and choreography of the musical. “It’s hard, but it’s a good group of people and it’s fun,” cast and Vista member Sue said about the rehearsal process. “This is my second time doing the play. I’m looking forward to being on that stage again and having my first lines! This year I’m playing Betty Blast.”

Community actor Erin also shared her excitement about her role. “I'm playing the role of Rusty! Rusty is a very fun character. She has her own song, which I'm very excited for, and she has a lot of little parts in the show. She pops up everywhere.” Erin is one of fourteen community actors who have generously donated their time and effort to collaborate with Vista students and members on the production.

A Shared Stage Productions Footloose will be featured at The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, CT. There are four shows between May 17^th to the 19^th. To buy tickets or learn more about the show, you can visit TheKate.org. “You should come to see the Vista shared stage production of Footloose because there's no way that they're not going to catch that infectious, joyful spirit that we're sharing,” Director Lara Morton said. “I think audiences will come away with that feeling of inclusiveness and the power of theater to bring people together in one space, in one room, sharing a story, sharing music, sharing dance, and sharing art.”