CHS Stagemakers to present toe-tapping musical

Jun. 17—CAIRO- The Cairo High School Stagemakers are kicking off their Sunday shoes and cashing in on a big prize on June 28, as they present "Footloose" to the public.

In 2023, the Stagemakers entered a contest, presented by Concord Theatricals, titled the "Kick off your Sunday shoes contest." The contest celebrated the 25th anniversary of "Footloose" on Broadway. The Stagemakers were one of the ten winning high schools and were awarded a free "Footloose" show.

Stagemakers sponsor Austin Harrell said the win was a huge get for the drama team, as licensing for "Footloose" is incredibly expensive.

"It's about a $3,000 license we won, so the show picked itself," she explained.

Having already drummed up the spirit from the contest, the actors and actresses partaking in the performance are incredibly excited about presenting this rendition to their friends and family.

"I think it's a message they really resonate with," she said. "It's about adults telling them not to do things, while they search for their own independence."

The show focuses on newcomer Ren McCormack (Addysen Curtis) and the struggles he faces when moving to a small town that has banned dancing and rock music. However, with his new friends, Willard Hewitt (Daniel Cruz) and Ariel Moore (Morgan Griffin), he's determined to loosen up the town. But, it won't come easy as Ariel's influential father Rev. Shaw Moore (Ronnie Godwin) stands in the way.

Curtis and Griffin are determined to make the show a hit for both audiences and their friends.

Griffin said the duo originally had post-show blues after just completing their spring musical, "Grease," but when the opportunity knocked for "Footloose," they couldn't have been more excited.

"I was driving home from Thomasville when I stopped at a stop sign to read the cast list," Curtis said. "I saw I got Ren McCormack, but it didn't really hit me until later that I got the lead role."

Griffin was similarly stunned to land the lead role of Ariel, sharing she got a call from Harrell, asking her what size red boots she wore, and that's when she knew she had gotten the role.

Getting to work with his cast-mates one last time, Curtis said this show will be particularly special.

"I'm looking forward to the dancing and just connecting with everyone because we are already so close and now we get to do this in front of the community," Curtis said.

Not only are they working together, but many of them are learning dance and choreography together for the first time, which helps them prepare for the show, but also gives them valuable theater skills to use in the future.

Harrell has brought in several experts to help the students in workshops as they prepare for "Footloose." One of the experts was Hannah Harrison, an award-winning choreographer.

"It's such a cool experience and learning curve," Griffin said. "I'm learning so much that I didn't already know. I don't have much dance experience so I'm excited to learn from Harrison and get more information I can bring into my senior year."

Curtis said he has never danced beyond what he learned from the choreography in "Grease," so he is excited to put his best foot forward come next weekend.

"I'm excited to see what she teaches us because I'm getting ready to leave," he explained. "I'm hopeful I can take some of this with me if I pursue theater in college."

Music director Joshua Moore does not doubt that Griffin and Curtis will hit the high notes and leave audience members wanting more come opening night, Friday, June 28.

"We have a lot of really great singers and this show really gives everyone the chance to show off their skills and ability," Moore said. "There's some really powerful songs in the show I'm excited for people to see."

Moore insisted that the real treat is a trio titled "Learning to be Silent," which will be sung by Vi Moore (Kennedi Smart), Ethel McCormack (Jenna Marie Melvin), and Ariel.

"All three of them are very accomplished singers; to hear them do this trio is a very special moment in the show," he concluded.

To hear all the songs, join the Stage Makers at the Cairo High School Auditorium on Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m. or on Sunday, June 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.