Theater Review: 'Footloose The Musical' by Southington Youth Summer Theater Spotlights

The Southington Youth Summer Theater SPOTLIGHTS 2025 will present two performances of “Footloose The Musical” this weekend on the stage at Southington High School, 720 Pleasant St.

The Southington Recreation Department's Youth Summer Theater program is composed of resident students entering Grades 3-12. Earlier this month the SYST Juniors (GR. 3) performed "Movie Magic" and SYST Worklights (GR. 4-5) presented "Junie B. Jones Jr: The Musical." I was honored to be allowed to attend a dress rehearsal on Thursday for my review.

This group of teens have obviously worked hard as a team to bring this fun musical to the stage. It was quickly apparent that the local students had tirelessly worked together with the adults that run the program on the impressive choreography, singing the musical numbers and bringing their characters to life.

The stage adaptation of the movie musical was written by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford, with music by Tom Snow, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman that augment the hits from the Oscar-nominated score.

Concord Theatricals states that “”Footloose’ celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness.” The script contains a good mix of comedy and dramatic elements.

Nico Busbee is wonderfully cast in the lead role of Ren McCormack. Joy Toro dons the iconic red cowboy boots to confidently play the rebellious Ariel Moore, and sings very well throughout.

Jack Hibbs, a rising sophomore, gives a delightful portrayal of Willard Hewitt. Mia Bilodeau shines in the role of Ariel’s friend Rusty, who has a crush on Willard.

Several students are required to “age up” to play the roles of the adults in the small farming town of Beaumont, Texas, which has a ban on dancing in place. Ricky Silva gives a strong performance as Rev. Shaw Moore, with a clear singing voice. Maren Tarfano, a rising senior who will be captain of the swim team in the fall, takes on the role of the reverend’s wife and Ariel’s mother, Vi , singing “Can You Find It in Your Heart” with plenty of heart.

Avery Strileckis plays Ren’s newly single mother, Ethel McCormack, who brings her son to Texas from Chicago. Carter Smith plays Ariel’s roughneck boyfriend Chuck Cranston and Simon Savelkoul plays Cowboy Bob in the second act. Emma Tousignant and Vinny Arroyo play Lulu and Wes Warnicker, Ren’s rather conservative aunt and uncle. Finn O’Toole, a fine character actor, plays the high school coach, Roger Dunbar. Mairenn Oparowski takes on the role of the coach’s wife, Eleanor.

Evie Auletta appears as Lyle and Riley Myers takes on the role of Travis. Michaela Lansdale gets to roller skate in the role of Betty Blast. Samantha McBride plays Principal Clark, Zoey Ebaugh is Jeter, Kathleen Karipidis is Bickle and my castmate Eric Chubet (“Jesus Christ Superstar” at Arts at Angeloria’s) dances really well as Garvin.

Izzy Marius DeSoto as Urleen and Liz Capellan as Wendy Jo round out the trio with Rusty to become something of a Greek Chorus for the haunting “Somebody’s Eyes.”

The adorable “Mama Says” ensemble, who help to make this smile-inducing musical number even better, includes Lillian Wood, Brooke Turnquist and Becca Robbins. “The Girl Gets Around” ensemble features Anna Polansky, Morgan Allan, Arroyo and Chubert.

Ensemble members that portray townspeople and students include Fiona Infantino, Norah Beauchemin, Brynn Borchard, Noah Brooks, Willa Chmura, Jada Clarke, Isabella DiFronzo, Josephine Franco, Samantha McBride, Michaela Shumway, Kendal Topa, Niya Villanueva, Polansky, Morgan Allan, Vinny Aroyo, Auletta, Wood, Turnquist, and Robbins.

Spotlights is directed by Jocelyn Perlini. The SPOTLIGHTS began daily rehearsals from 9:00-3:00 on June 23, and will continue the rehearsal process through July 26.

Tim Nivison (“JCS” at A@A) provides the inspired lighting that sets off the clean set design. The students have thoughtfully put together their costumes and look great in all of their scenes.

Performances of “Footloose” will be presented on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

Tickets are $10 (all ages; general admission.) Tickets for each performance will be sold at the door on show nights or may be purchased in advance at the Recreation Department office, 388 Pleasant Street, during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm (closed at lunchtime, typically 12-1 pm).

Ticket Purchase Options:
In Advance at Recreation Office: Cash (exact change required), check & credit card payments accepted. An additional 3% service charge applies to pay by credit card.
At the School on Show Night: Cash or check payments ONLY. Please make checks payable to "Town of Southington." Please contact the Recreation office at (860) 276-6219 with any questions.