Overview
Synopsis
Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago. He and his mother move to the small town of Bomont after his father abandons them. Upon arriving, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend Bomont. The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of the Ariel (the Reverend’s daughter) and Willard (a country hick who becomes his best friend), Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.
A school version of Footloose is available for licensing through R&H Theatrical’s Getting to Know series.
Show Information
Context
The musical production of Footloose was based on the 1984 film of the same name which starred Kevin Bacon in the leading role of Ren. The movie also starred Broadway veteran John Lithgow in the role of Shaw as well as a young Sarah Jessica Parker as the fun and peppy Rusty. The film was the seventh highest-grossing film for its release year and the title song, “Footloose”, became a beloved classic.
The film received its stage adaptation in October of 1998 when it opened to audiences at the
to read the context for Footloose and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
Ren McCormack, a “big city” teenager, decides to dance away the long work day at a Chicago nightclub (“Footloose”). Ren breaks the news to his friends, since his father left them, Ren and his mother, Ethel, can no longer afford to live in Chicago and now must move in with his aunt and uncle in the small and conservative town of Bomont.
The McCormacks are settling into sleepy life in Bomont and attend service at the local church. The pastor, Shaw Moore, gives a long-winded and
to read the plot for Footloose and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
Showing 8 of 25 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Footloose.
Showing 8 of 186 portrayals
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Songs
Act I
- *Footloose - Ren and the Company
- On Any Sunday – Rev. Shaw Moore and the Company
- The Girl Gets Around – Chuck, Ariel, Travis, and Lyle
- *I Can’t Stand Still – Ren
- Somebody’s Eyes – Rusty, Urleen, Wendy Jo, and the Company
- Learning to be Silent – Vi and Ethel
- Holding Out for a Hero – Ariel, Rusty, Wendy Jo, and Urleen
- Heaven Help Me – Shaw
- *I’m Free/Heaven Help Me – Ren, Shaw, and the Company
Act II
- *Let’s Make Believe We’re In Love – Irene and her Country Kickers, *Ren, *Ariel, *Rusty,
- *Cowboy Bob, & Willard
- *Let’s Hear It For the Boy – Rusty and the *Company
- Can You Find It In Your Heart – Vi
- Mama Says (You Can’t Back Down) – Willard, Bickle, Garvin, Jeter, and Ren
- Almost Paradise – Ren and Ariel
- Dancing Is Not A Crime – Ren, Willard, Bickle, Garvin, and Jeter
- I Confess – Shaw
- Can You Find It In Your Heart (Reprise) – Shaw
- *Footloose (Finale) – The Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
The art of designing and arranging movement sequences for theatrical dance and physical storytelling.
A revival is a new production of a play or musical after its original run has ended, often reimagined for a new generation of audiences. Revivals may stay faithful to the original staging or update elements like design, casting, or interpretation. They are a cornerstone of theatre tradition, keeping classic works alive and relevant.
A rock musical is a form of musical theatre that incorporates the rhythms, instrumentation, and energy of rock-and-roll into its score. Emerging in the late 1960s with shows like Hair, rock musicals often bring a contemporary, rebellious edge to the stage. They blend theatrical storytelling with the raw power of popular music to attract younger and more diverse audiences.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
