For many performers, the stage is where passion, creativity, and confidence come to life. For several alumni of Riverside School District, that passion has led them back into the spotlight as cast members of Footloose, the high-energy musical based on the beloved 1984 film.

Filled with unforgettable songs, dynamic choreography, and a story about standing up for what you believe in, Footloose continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut.

Set in the small town of Bomont, Footloose follows teenager Ren McCormack as he adjusts to a community where dancing has been outlawed. As Ren challenges long-held traditions and inspires the town’s young people to find their voices, the musical explores themes of resilience, acceptance, friendship, and the power of community. The production blends humor, heart, and electrifying musical numbers.

This production is made even more special by the number of Riverside School District alumni who are bringing its memorable characters to life. Their journeys from Riverside classrooms and stages to this production reflect the lasting impact of arts education and the strong sense of community that continues long after graduation.

In the following Q&As, these alumni share their memories of the stage, what drew them to Footloose, their experiences preparing for the show, and what they hope audiences take away from this timeless musical.

Alex Hazen

Part in Musical: Ren McCormack

What year did you graduate from Riverside: 2019

What is your profession or what college do you attend and what’s your major: CAD Designer

Been in musicals/plays since: 2016

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at New Castle Playhouse. And John Hinckley in Assassins at Center Theater Players.

Favorite Song in this musical: Almost Paradise

What interested you in this role: Ren is a dance heavy character and I love to dance. Also, Ren has a big character arc where his demeanor changes and he learns a lot throughout the show and it’s fun to portray his journey through this part of his life.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: I’d have to say my roller skates are iconic. I had never roller skated before this show and had to learn how to.

What’s the hardest part about your role: It is very vocally demanding in having to sing a lot and in a rock style, so it’s been a process learning how to sing a way that protects my voice.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show:  Ren has taught me to fully stand up for what you believe in, and that empathy and building an understanding amongst those you may disagree with is an effective tool.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I think the audience will enjoy seeing a familiar story played out on a stage with some big songs that everyone knows.

What is unique about this musical: I think this musical is interesting cause on the surface I think it’s a bit light and just about a kid who wants to dance, but really the show is quite heavy and carries huge undertones regarding grief and loss and how that affects on a large scale, a whole town, but also a small scale, just one character.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: Definitely the hardest question, but I think I have to go with Jamie from the Last Five Years

Anything else you would like to add: Many thanks to Amee Boughter, the director, for her belief in me and all her wonderful choreography. Also, to Karmin Dando, the music director, for vocal pointers and her dedication. Lastly, to Kassie McConnell, who plays my mother Ethel McCormack in the show, who has also helped me vocally and really hone in on my character. This cast has truly been so amazing, and I’m filled with so much gratitude to be a part of this all.

Jacob Storey

Part in Musical: Lyle

What year did you graduate from Riverside: 2024

What is your profession or what college do you attend and what’s your major: I am a junior at Slippery Rock University, majoring in English with a double concentration in Creative and Professional Writing

Been in musicals/plays since: 2020

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Riverside High School: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Security Guard), Happy Days (Ralph Malph), Matilda (Mr. Wormwood), Damn Yankees (Mr. Applegate), and The Addams Family (Gomez Addams). Red Barn Players: Bye Bye Birdie (Shriner/Reporter). Center Theatre Players: 1776 (Dr. Josiah Bartlett) and Urinetown (UGC Executive). New Castle Playhouse: The SpongeBob Musical (Mr. Krabs) and Grease (Vince Fontaine)

Favorite Song in this musical: Let’s Hear it for the Boy

What interested you in this role: I was deeply interested in the opportunity to play an antagonistic character again. It was something I truly missed, and I was excited to play such a role again!

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: My favorite part of my costume is a bit selfish, but it’s how much insulation I have. I’m used to wearing heavy suits that don’t fair well against heat, so it’s relieving to get to wear something lighter!

What’s the hardest part about your role: For me, the hardest part came down to adjusting to my wrestling suit. I’ve never worn a costume quite like that, and at first, I was embarrassed coming out on stage wearing it, but I’ve grown more used to it as we’ve gone on.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Playing this character has taught me that, even in a smaller capacity, being an antagonist in a show is always such an interesting and exciting opportunity, and I hope I can earn similar roles in future productions!

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I think audiences will absolutely love the classic hits heard in this show, such as “Holding Out for a Hero” or “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”, but I also think they will deeply appreciate the story told. It has some extremely emotional moments that are conveyed expertly by the cast!

What is unique about this musical: Many of the songs featured in this show were also featured in the original Footloose film, and each have been slightly altered to have that musical theater flair!

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: I’ve always wanted to do “The Drowsy Chaperone” one day! I would jump at the opportunity to either play the Man in the Chair or Aldolpho!

Anything else you would like to add: I can’t wait for you all to come see the show, it’s such an incredible time and I’m sure you will all love this show as much as I do!

Lauren Bush

Part in Musical: Featured Dancer

What year did you graduate from Riverside: 2023

What is your profession or what college do you attend and what’s your major: I attend Slippery Rock University, and I have a major in Geography with a concentration in Environmental Studies and Sustainability.

Been in musicals/plays since: 2016 (5th grade)

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Seussical (Ensemble), Shrek (Ensemble), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Ensemble), Happy Days (Featured Dancer), Matilda (Alice/Featured Dancer/Dance Captain), Damn Yankees (Ms. Weston/Featured Dancer/Dance Captain), SpongeBob (Featured Dancer), Grease (Featured Dancer)

Favorite Song in this musical: Still Rockin

What interested you in this role: Ever since I started doing theatre, I’ve loved dancing, so I’m so excited to be a featured dancer.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: My favorite costume piece is definitely my cowgirl boots for Still Rockin and Let’s Hear it for the Boy.

What’s the hardest part about your role: There are a lot of tricky harmonies in the show, so combining the singing with the dancing has been the hardest part for me.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Not really anything life changing but being a featured dancer has reminded me how much I love dancing on stage.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: To be honest, I think that the audience will enjoy every aspect of the show. From the singing to the dancing to the acting, there’s so much to love about this show!

What is unique about this musical: Something that I find unique is that, in my opinion, there isn’t any “bad” song. I think every song in this show is amazing, and they are all performed so well by my cast mates.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: Morticia Addams in The Addams Family. She’s an iconic tall-girl alto role, and I’m a big fan of the Addams Family musical, so I think playing her would be so fun!

Anything else you would like to add: This show is incredible, and you won’t want to miss it!

Elizabeth Frazer

Part in Musical: Featured Dancer

What year did you graduate from Riverside: 2023

What is your profession or what college do you attend and what’s your major: I attend Grove City College as a Mathematics Major!

Been in musicals/plays since: I’ve been in musicals since my freshman year of high school in 2020.

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: In Riverside’s Matilda, I played Matilda Wormwood, and in Riverside’s Damn Yankees I played Lola! Last year, I had the opportunity to play Patty Simcox at the New Castle Playhouse. Other shows I have been a part of include Guys and Dolls at the Red Barn Theatre and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Happy Days at Riverside.

Favorite Song in this musical: Still Rockin’

What interested you in this role: Honestly, the friendships you build learning new dances together! As a featured dancer, there aren’t too many moments where the focus is solitarily on you, but the memories you make just dancing with your friends to some phenomenal music and beautiful costumes are worthwhile!

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: My favorite costume is definitely my bright pink sequin dress I wear during the finale!

What’s the hardest part about your role: The hardest part of my role is my costume changes! Think the 80’s! All the accessories and layers of clothing need to be exactly where they need to be at all times. These costumes are SO FUN, but there is definitely a lot to keep track of.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: At the end of the show, Shaw talks about laying down his burdens and his shame, something that I think we can all learn to do to find more peace! There is way too much worry and stress in this world for our own good, and, although it is not always easy, we can find peace.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: The audience will especially love the story behind Vi and Shaw, Ariel’s parents, and some emotional scenes between Ren and Shaw. There is also so much vocal talent in this cast, and I think the audience will go absolutely crazy over that!

What is unique about this musical: This musical has songs you may know outside of the show, like Holding Out for a Hero or Let’s Hear it for the Boy. The emotions behind the difficult parts of parent-child relationships or even parent-parent relationships are hit super hard in this show, and I think the audience will be obsessed with the talent that makes these scenes truly amazing!

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: Fanny Brice from Funny Girl. I absolutely love the song Don’t Rain on my Parade and would love the opportunity to portray a confident comedic like Fanny!

Becca Dugas

Part in Musical: Dance Captain / Featured Dancer

What year did you graduate from Riverside: I graduated in 2025!

What is your profession or what college do you attend and what’s your major: I am entering my second year at Kent State University, and I am majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Fashion Media

Been in musicals/plays since: Since I graduated high school I have been involved in two cabarets at college and I also did Grease last summer at the New Castle Playhouse where I played Cha-Cha and a featured dancer!

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: During my time at Riverside, I have been in State Fair (Violet), Happy Days (ensemble), Matilda (featured dancer), Damn Yankees (Dance Captain, featured dancer), The Addams Family (Dance Captain, featured dancer), and Mame (Gloria, Dance Captain, featured dancer)

Favorite Song in this musical: My favorite song is I’m Free (Heaven helps the man), it is such a powerful song and I love performing it!

What interested you in this role: For being a dance captain I really love to be in a leadership role, and I also love to just let loose and dance my heart out! This show in general is the perfect opportunity to do that!

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: I honestly just love all of the costumes I personally wear and my fellow cast members as well! A lot of our 80s clothing is thrifted, and it was so much fun putting pieces together! I definitely think if I could travel back to a decade, it would definitely be the 80s so I love that this is the time period Footloose takes place.

What’s the hardest part about your role: The hardest part of my role probably is being able to simultaneously sing and dance during the heavy dance numbers! I get so out of breath at times due to the high energy and fun choreography I struggle to sing sometimes!

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: I really think this show has widened my range as a dancer. I haven’t been in a studio training since I was ten so the most dancing I do is through musicals. I have never done such a crazy dance musical before, and it’s definitely been a challenge but a fun one!

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: Footloose has such a range of large production numbers to small intimate ballads. I think the audience will love the contrast each number brings and obviously the talent everyone brings is undeniably breathtaking!

What is unique about this musical: For me personally I have never done a show with so many adults in the cast. It has been such an honor to work alongside them and take note of their expertise and crafted talent!

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: Sophie in Mamma Mia or Karen in Mean Girls! I haven’t had the opportunity to play a larger role in a musical yet and both of these roles seem like so much fun to take on and play!

Anything else you would like to add: I want to thank everyone who has supported me and you definitely do not want to miss this incredible show! Get ready to cut loose!!

Don’t Miss the Show!

Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose as Footloose, one of the most explosive movie musicals of all time, bursts onto the live stage. Revel in this throwback to teen romance, angst, and of course, the desire to dance!

Rock out to the rhythm of the Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million copies!) elevated with dynamic new songs for the stage musical. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, and guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind. Packed with a top-ten hit score including “Almost Paradise,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and the iconic title song, “Footloose.”

Upcoming Show dates include July 16, 1, 18, 19: Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays:7:30 p.m. and Sundays:2 p.m.

Get tickets here

Online sales end approximately one hour prior to the start of the show.