Camilla School concludes its successful run of Footloose the Musical

By Stephen Dafoe

Approximately 75 students took to the stage as cast and crew over four performances of Footloose the Musical Youth Edition on Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10.

Footloose, the 1984 cult classic Kevin Bacon film, inspired the youth musical. Like the film, it tells the story of Ren McCormack, a charismatic Chicago teenager who moves to a small conservative town where dancing is prohibited. Ren’s rebellious spirit clashes with the town’s strict laws, sparking a battle that challenges the local status quo and ignites his new peers to embrace the joy of dance and self-expression.

Before Thursday’s matinee performance, Camilla’s teacher and director, Chris Layton, said the cast was excited to start the run as ticket sales were double that of last year’s production, Rock of Ages.

“I’m so proud to be working with these hard-working kids and putting on a show for the community,” Layton said. “The Herculean effort by these kids and all the parents helping out backstage. I’ve got a team I’ll put up against anybody.”