This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Nov. 24, 2011 - When people are faced with loss, they have a tendency to lose themselves in grief. They don't feel any reason to smile during the day, any reason to laugh, any reason to wake up. Sometimes it takes entire communities to help a single person remember the things that used to make them smile. Other times, it takes only one person to remind entire communities how to lift up their chins and dance. Holt High School spread this message Friday, Nov. 18 with their uplifting production of "Footloose."
"Footloose" tells the story of a city boy, Ren McCormack, who moves to a small town with his mother after being abandoned by his father. McCormack quickly becomes known as the trouble-maker in town after a series of events land him in the principal's office.
McCormack learns the ridiculous rules of the town in haste and is stunned to find out that dancing is illegal. His friends explain to him that a few years ago a group of teenagers were killed in a car accident coming home from a dance, and ever since dancing has been outlawed. McCormack spends the rest of the musical trying to convince the power holders of the town that, while it is important to remember those who were killed, they shouldn't take their grief out on the living children of the town, who yearn to dance.
Meanwhile, McCormack falls in love with Ariel, the daughter of the most powerful man in town, Rev. Shaw, whose son was killed in the accident. Ren learns that it will take the Reverend's acceptance to not only make dancing legal again, but to date his daughter, Ariel.
Holt High School's talented cast brought the classic play to life. Memorable performances include that of Cody Cole, whose vibrant energy and strong confidence helped to create a lovable Ren McCormack, Parker Gleason who stole the show with his hilarious portrayal of best friend Willard Hewitt, and Nathan Hinds who powerfully demonstrated the desperateness and anxiety of Rev. Shaw, a person lost in grief.
Other performers who accurately portrayed their characters were Lara Flanders who portrayed Ariel, and Madison Miller who played Rusty, Ariel's best friend. Both performers remained in character and energetic throughout the show.
Holt High's stage crew did a magnificent job. They remained quiet, but focused, changing the sets as quickly as possible, and never distracting from the performance.
Another praiseworthy behind-the-scenes job was hair and make-up, led by Chelsea Welch. The hair fit perfectly to each individual, contributing beautifully to the distinctiveness of the characters.
Overall, Holt High School presented a truly uplifting performance that reminded viewers that when times are hard, they shouldn't forget to lift up their chins and dance.
About the Cappies
The Critics and Awards Program for high school theater -- known as Cappies -- was formed in the aftermath of the Columbine shooting to celebrate writing and performing arts at America's high schools. It operates chapters across the nation.
St. Louis' program was launched in 2002-03.
At the end of the year, the top performers, technicians and reviewers are honored during a Tony-style gala.
The Beacon is happy to help spread the word by printing some reviews.
Laura Townsend is a student at Clayton High School.