Congrats to the entire cast and crew of
“Footloose the Musical!”
Ad
Home Depot Middletown is proud to provide all
of the wood and supplies for this set.
130 Pond Pl
Middletown, CT
(860) 346-3007
By: Ariana White
Footloose the Musical
Stage Adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE
Director………………………………………….…Greg Laucella
Stage Manager………………………………..………Cady Knoll
Choreographer……………………………….…..Meghan Foley
Musical Director…………………………….Anthony Pandolfe
Assistant Stage Manager……………………Caitlin Penepent
Set Designer………………………………………….Ashley Fong
Set Engineer……………………………………………Bob Amici
Costumers: Aline Nocera, Sarah Bishop, with special help
from Diann Amici Schmitt
Vocal Coach………………………………………….Ashley Foley
Running Crew: Nick Drew, Mallory Nielsen, Jon Penepent
Set Construction: Bob Amici, Mark Laucella, Jonathan
Obenauer, Mallory Nielsen, Nicholas Drew, Nathaniel
Brown, Sarah Brown, Tyler Schmitt, Diann AmiciSchmitt, Larry Schmitt, Greg Laucella, Ashley Fong,
Justin Layman, Mark Fong, Mr. Rolon
Painters: Diann Amici-Schmitt, Caitlin Penepent, Cady
Knoll, Joey Czaja, Troy Holley, Sarah Bishop, Nicholas
Drew, Aline Nocera
Pit Band:
Piano: Gina Fredricks
Keyboards: Nate Fletcher, Zak Fletcher
Bass (on keyboard): Chad Selph
Drums: Miles Nasta
Percussion: Larry Schmitt
Guitar I: Max Wareham
Guitar II: Tyler Schmitt
Flute: Kathy Lesiczka
Saxophone: Krista Prince
Pit Chorus:
Female Voices: Lauren Hatfield, Wanda Szarek, Jessie Daniels,
Allison Lindsay
Male Voices: Peter Drewniany, Leslie Saunders, Chris Cardella
DIRECTORS NOTE
This project has been a blessing. To be part of such an event is a life
changing experience for me, and something has changed me forever.
We dedicate this performance to Christine Marselli LaRosa.
This whole time we had to remind ourselves what we were doing this for,
and more importantly, whom we were doing this for. Christine was
infectious and there will never be another person like her; it would take
over 30 people to do the work that she did, and they would only be able to
do it at half the quality she could do things at. Her spirit lives on forever,
and those of us who knew her will never forget her.
So why Footloose to honor her memory? Easy. Footloose is a musical
about a town learning how to survive after the death of four teenagers.
Both the Middletown High School community, as well as the Middletown
community as a whole, is still trying to fill the void she left behind. It
takes a newcomer to the town, Ren McCormick, to help this town realize
that they need to honor these kids through celebrating the lives they lead
before they passed away.
Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding
them with a warm heart and an open mind. When Ren and his mother
move from Chicago to a small town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable
adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are
the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local
preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he
cannot command in his own home. His rebellious daughter sets her sights
on Ren while her roughneck boyfriend sets out to sabotage his reputation,
with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The
heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of
a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
This show was a challenge, to say the least, but I am beyond proud of this
group of people. I am so honored to be part of this loving community.
This group of people has been working on this show for their entire
summer, several nights a week. I could not be more honored to have had
such a dedicated cast, who were able to work through the good and bad
moments with diligence and professionalism.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has been a part of this
production in anyway. This show is a celebration of life, and in honor of
Christine, what is left to do, other than to “cut Footloose” and enjoy the
show!
-Greg Laucella, Director
Special thanks:
Middletown Commission on the Arts, especially Karen Nocera; Rogers and
Hammerstein’s Theatricals; Leslie Spatola and Ken Jackson, Director of
Facilities; Bobbye Knoll, Tate Burmeister, Missy Waryas, Erinn Knoll,
Dominick Grant, Jeffery Allen and Oddfellows Playhouse for their unending
generosity; Sandy Aldieri (headshots, group shots, photography); Elizabeth
Nocera, Andres Alphonso, Justin Carbonella, and the entire scholarship
committee; Wanda Szarek and Heather Goodale for volunteering in
fundraising and many aspects of this production; The City of Middletown,
especially Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, for their support; Sloan Brewster, and
the Middletown Press; Michael Gosselin, Marco Gaylord and the support
from the Middletown Music Education Department; Michael Pitruzzello,
Athletic Director; Middletown High School for their support and
encouragement; Francis Amici: you are the hardest working man in the entire
world. The set is beautiful; Thirteenth Floor Graphics and Printing, especially
Jess and Jamie; Middletown Plate Glass, especially Victoria; Home Depot,
especially Mark Kehrhahn; Sue Guckin; ArtFarm; The parents of this
extremely talented cast and crew: thank you for allowing your kids to be a
part of this process. Together, we created this work of art that has brought a
community together. Thank you, thank you, and thank you; The cast: You
are all talented, and you are all beautiful. You are the hardest workers I
know. Never let anything stand in your way and achieve greatness. You can
do anything; The crew: You have opened my eyes and taught me new things.
I am forever grateful and honored to have had the pleasure to work with you.
Without you this show would be nothing- thank you for being my rock and
my sanity, my friends and my family; The family of Christine: thank you for
sharing her with the world. We are blessed and honored. You give us
strength.
To Mrs. LaRosa: Never forgotten, always loved.
SCENES AND SONGS:
Act 1:
Scene 1: The City of Chicago
FOOTLOOSE………………………………………Ren, Company
The Town of Bomont, Church
ON ANY SUNDAY………………………...Rev. Shaw, Company
Scene 2:The Churchyard
Scene 3: Behind the Gas Station
THE GIRL GETS AROUND…………..Chuck, Ariel, Travis, Lyle
Scene 4: A High School Hallway
I CAN’T STAND STILL………………………………………...Ren
SOMEBODY’S EYES....Rusty, Urleen, Wendy Jo, Clara, Company
Scene 5: The Moore Home
LEARNING TO BE SILENT………………………..Vi, Ethel, Ariel
Scene 6: The Burger Blast
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO………………..Ariel and The Girls
Scene 7: The Great Plains
Scene 8: The Moore Home
HEAVEN HELP ME……………………………………..Rev. Shaw
Scene 9: The High School Gym/The Church
I’M FREE/HEAVEN HELP ME………..Ren, Rev. Shaw, Company
Act 2
Scene 1: The Bar-B-Que, a County Western Dance Hall
LET’S MAKE BELIEVE WE”RE IN LOVE………………….Irene
LET’S JEAR IT FOR THE BOY…………………..…………Rusty
Scene 2: The Moore Home
CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART?.....................................Vi
Scene 3: The Junk Yard
MAMA SAYS…………………Willard, Bickle, Garvin, Jeter, Ren
Scene 4: Under the Train Bridge
ALMOST PARADISE…………………..Ren and Ariel
Scene 5: The Town Hall
Scene 6: The Moore Home/The Church/The Churchyard
HEAVEN HELP ME (REPRISE)………………………...Rev. Shaw
CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART (REPRISE)……Rev. Shaw
Scene 7: The Gym
FOOTLOOSE (FINALE)………………………….………Company
Congrats to the Cast and Crew of
“Footloose!!!”
You guys are amazing! Break a leg!
You are our inspiration, Adriana
Love, Mom and Dad
___________________________________________________
Cast List
(in order of appearance)
Ren McCormick……………………………………..…..….Joey Czaja
Ethel McCormick………………………………………....Laura Gould
Reverend Shaw Moore……………………………….…Jordan Watson
Vi Moore……………………………………………..….Chrissy Cotter
Ariel Moore……………...………………….…………..Adriana Rolon
Lulu……………………………………………………..Allie Feitelson
Wes………………………………………………………..David Bixby
Coach Roger Dunbar………………………….…………Jarod Brodeur
Eleanor Dunbar………………………………….…...Melissa Rogalski
Rusty…………………………………………………….Laura Adames
Urleen………………………………………………….Vanessa Young
Wendy Jo…………………………………………....Jasmine Kehrhahn
Clara……………………………………………….……Andrea Brown
Chuck Cranston……………………………………….……...Jeff Long
Lyle……………………………………………………...Alex Sessoms
Travis…………………………………………………...Owen Costello
Cop……………………………………………………Emma Kehrhahn
Betty Blast…………………………………..Lizzie Anderson-Krengel
Willard………………………………………………….Tom Rogalski
Principal Harriet Clark…………………………..Megan Imogen Doak
Jeter………………………………………….…………..Kyle Samolik
Bickle………………………………………..………….Owen Costello
Garvin……………………………………..……………..Alex Sessoms
Irene……………………………………….…………….Andrea Brown
Ensemble….. ……………………………….……………Ally Cullinan
Laura Turnage
Emma Kehrhahn
Alex Foxworth
Featured Dancers….. …………………………….……Alyssa Defendi
Raianne Raymond
Kyle Samolik
Natalie Schmitt
Kim Peracchio
CAST BIOS
Laura Adames (Rusty): Laura is a Dominican little cutie, who recently
found her love for acting. She has only been in a few shows, such as
“Rumors” and “Anonymous.” This is her first musical and she just
loves it. She just recently graduated from Middletown High School,
and will be attending Bloomfield College (but will be transferring to a
more “artsy” school). Laura loves Alex Sessoms, Joey, and everyone
in the cast. This performance is for Mrs. LaRosa- I miss you and love
you.
Lizzie Andersen-Krengel (Betty Blast): Lizzie, who will be a
sophomore at MHS, loves musical theatre. She especially loves
singing and dancing, and has been doing both for several years. She’s
danced at The Griffith Academy for nine years, doing Irish Step,
ballet, and jazz. She is in Chamber Choir at MHS. Past performances
include several at Oddfellows, at school, and Circus Camp for six
years. Enjoy the show!
David Bixby (Wes): David is 17 years old, and is going to be entering
his senior year at Middletown High School. This will be his fourth
musical, and first time working with Greg Laucella as director. He is
honored to be in this production, and wants to thank everyone for their
support. David also wants to thank everyone for coming out to help
such a worthy cause.
Jarod Brodeur (Coach Dunbar): Jarod has been an actor since the
embryo stage of his life. He s a handsome man, attending UConn in
the fall. Jarod has been in well over 20 plays in his successful life, and
for a short time, ladies, he is single!
Andrea Brown (Clara/Irene): Andrea was born October 19, 1990. She
is the daughter of Wanda Brown. Andrea has been singing for thirteen
years, and recently graduated from Middletown High School.
Sarah Bishop (Costumer): Sarah currently works at Kiddie World.
She designed the set for “Castle Blackmoor Murder Mystery.” Much
love to Greg and Cady.
Caitlin Penepent (Assistant Stage Manager): Caitlin is a proud member
of the footloose production team. She has worked on numerous shows
including Into the Woods, The Waiting Room, and High School
Musical among others. Caitlin is a 2008 graduate of Middletown High
School and will be attending UConn this fall as a Biology major. She
is delighted to be working on this show with the amazing cast and
thanks everyone for their hard work and dedication to this worthy
cause.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GOOD LUCK, DAVE!
We love you very muchMom & Dad
Meghan Foley (Choreographer): Meghan is extremely excited to be a
part of this amazing production. She has also choreographed for
shows such as “Into the Woods,” “Seussical,” and MHS’ “The
Waiting Room.” She is currently a junior at Hofstra University,
majoring in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. There,
Meghan is also a third year member of Hofstra’s nationally ranked
dance team. She is so incredibly proud of the cast’s hard work
through this whole process. Break a leg! This one’s for you, Señora!
Anthony Pandolfe (Music Director): Anthony is currently a student at
the University of Connecticut and is pursuing a major in music
education. He has performed in many piano recitals. He has also
accompanied numerous choirs and solo performers as well as played
lead piano for the play A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the
Forum. Over the many years of performing, Anthony has performed a
wide range of pieces, including pieces by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven,
Chopin, Haydn, and Debussy, as well as many other showpieces. This
is his first time music directing a musical.
Ashley Fong (Set Designer): Ashley is entering her third semester this
fall at UCONN as a Design and Technical Theater major. She has been
working on several shows at UConn's Connecticut Reparatory Theater.
She is the Asst. Set Designer for the upcoming CRT show, "The Skin
of Our Teeth", and the Asst. Costume Designer for the upcoming
UCONN Puppet Arts Production of "Icarus". She just finished her
summer job with ARTFARM as the Administrative Intern, where she
did a vast array of odd jobs in preparation for their show, "Twelfth
Night". She would like to thank the Laucella Family and all the other
hard workers that built the set: for without them there would be
nothing on stage for the actors to perform on.
Aline Nocera (Costumer): Aline is a sophomore Theatre Major at
UVM. Previous costume experience includes” “Prometheus Bound”
and “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.” She would like to thank
the 5.5, her family, and especially Sarah.
Owen Costello (Travis/Bickle): Owen is entering his senior year at
Xavier High School. He transferred there his junior year from a small
boarding school in Weston, CT. At Xavier, he played Bernardo in the
Mercy/Xavier production of “West Side Story,” in March 2008.
Before that, however, he has had no acting experience. In his free
time he mostly plays guitar and hangs out with friends. He is also an
avid skimboarder.
Chrissy Cotter (Vi): Chrissy will be going into her second year at
Rhode Island College as a music major, and is more than honored to
be a part of this production. She has participated in many productions,
including “Urinetown” (Hope), “Into the Woods” (Witch), and
“Chicago” (Mama). Chrissy would most importantly like to dedicate
all of her work and love to Mrs. Christine LaRosa. We miss you.
Thank you for changing our world.
Ally Cullinan (Ensemble): Footloose is the fourth musical Ally has
been in. She was in “The King and I” and “Fiddler on the Rood” at
Woodrow Wilson, and “High School Musical” at MHS. Ally is going
to be a sophomore in high school next year. During her freshmen year
she was on the swim team and track teams. She would like to thank
Natalie for helping her get through this, and every other play. Ally
says hi.
Joey Czaja (Ren): Joey is very excited to be taking a part in
“Footloose,” and thrilled to have his first lead. Other shows he’s been
in are: High School Musical (Ryan Evans), Urinetown the Musical
(Robby the Stockfish), and The Grapes of Wrath (Connie). Joey is
very proud of the cast and crew’s hard work and dedication to making
this production come alive. He would like to thank everybody
involved with the production. And to everybody else, cut footloose!
Alyssa Defendi (Featured Dancer): Alyssa as just graduated from
Middletown High School and is going to Middlesex Community
College. This is her first musical. She plans to major in nursing, or
some sort of medical field. Alyssa has been a student ambassador,
traveling to five countries, been in the Miss Teen CT Pageant, and was
Captain of the varsity MHS crew team. She would like to thank her
family, friends, and Chris. I love you guys.
Megan Imogen Doak (Principal Clark): Megan is a sophomore at the
Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She is a fashion major and
hopes to design costumes in the future. Footloose is her first musical!
She thanks her family for their constant support and wants them to
know she loves them and appreciates them every day for it.
Allie Feitelson (Lulu): Allie just graduated from Middletown High
School. She has been with MHS Chamber Choir forever two years,
performing for many events. She is now performing in her first show,
and wants to thank her family, friends, and her best, Alyssa Defendi.
Allie is going to college at Eastern next year and plans to major in
Psychology. She hopes to open her own office and help others as
much as she can.
Laura Gould (Ethel): Laura is entering the 14th grade at Arcadia
University in August. She has been in over 30 productions, her first
being “Rock the Jukebox” in 3rd grade, here in Middletown. She
played Stephano in her college mainstage production of “The
Tempest” in May, which is her greatest achievement to date. She
would like to thank her whole entire cast… just because.
Emma Kehrhahn (Cop/Ensemble): Emma will be attending her
sophomore year at Mercy High School in the fall. This is Emma's fifth
musical she has been a part of. She also enjoys Lacrosse and is on the
Mercy Swim team. Emma would like to thank her parents, the cast of
"Footloose," the crew, and above all her cousin, Jasmine. She hopes
you enjoy the show!
Jasmine Kehrhahn (Wendy Jo): Jasmine, a soon-to-be UConn
freshmen, is thrilled to be part of this production. She has performed
in dozens of shows, but this fundraiser has proven to be the most
gratifying. She would like to thank Greg, Meghan, and Tony, for all
of their hard work and love of theater.
Jordan Watson (Rev. Shaw): Jordan was born on August 18, 1990. He
is the son of Robin & Janice Watson, and the brother of Leta and
Robin (Jr.) Watson. Jordan graduated from Middletown High School
this past year. He is officially enrolled in the University of Hartford
and is majoring in Secondary Math Education. Ever since an early age
Jordan has had a love for music, and has shared it throughout his high
school years, including participating in “Annie” at Woodrow Wilson.
Vanessa Young (Urleen): Vanessa attends Middletown High School
and will be a sophomore. She has taken dance lessons for almost her
whole life, doing everything from, acro to classical ballet. Even
though she spends a lot of time singing, dancing, and acting, she is
also on the MHS soccer team and works at South Side Market.
Although she loves to entertain, “Footloose” will be the first play she
has performed in.
CREW BIOS
Greg Laucella (Director): Greg is ecstatic to be part of such an
amazing project. He is a sophomore musical theater major at The
University of the Arts, in Philadelphia. Theater credits: Urinetown
(Bobby Strong), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Into the Woods
(Cinderella’s Prince), To Kill A Mockingbird (Jem), and many more.
He was also a Hartford Symphony Soloist in 2007, singing Andrea
Bocelli’s “Con Te Partiro.” He would like to thank his hard working
cast and crew for everything they have taught him. Cady, you are my
rock. For Mrs. LaRosa, inspiring us to celebrate. Never forgotten.
Cady Knoll (Stage Manager): Cady is so proud to be a part of this
production. Theater has always been a part of Cady’s life, and she
couldn’t imagine on doing anything else with her free time (except
maybe sleep). A transfer student at UConn, Cady has changed her
major approx. 743 times, and will continue to do so until the day she
receives her diploma, but no matter what, she always ends up coming
back to theater. Thank you to such an intelligent, hard working cast.
You have taught me a lot. Greg, you are amazing.
Tom Rogalski (Willard): Tom has never been in a play, musical, or
sung professionally in his life. In his spare time, Tom enjoys
unicycling. If you haven’t heard, Tom is working as a counselor at
Circus Camp and his one shout to his camp troop is “PURPLE
TROOP!” Thank you!
Adriana Rolon (Ariel): Adriana is currently a student at Middletown
High School. She has been singing for twelve years and greatly enjoys
participating in musicals. Her first musical was “High School
Musical,” in which she played the lead role of Gabriella Montez.
Adriana aspires to be a performer, travel the world, and perform on
Broadway. Her hobbies include watching old films, writing poetry
and songs, and singing. Ariel Moore has been great fun for Adriana to
portray.
Natalie Schmitt (Featured Dancer): Natalie is so excited to be in this
show. She’s going to be a sophomore at Middletown High School this
coming year. She was in “High School Musical” at MHS, “Fiddler on
the Roof” (Fiddler), and “The King and I” (Royal Child/Eliza) at
Woodrow Wilson. Natalie did gymnastics for ten years, and plays
flute in the school band. She would like to thank her friends and
family for being supportive in everything she does.
Alex Sessoms (Lyle/Garvin): Alex is going to be a senior at
Middletown High School this fall. Alex has been in a number of
shows, between MHS and Oddfellows Playhouse. He’s done shows
such as “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Rumors,” “High School
Musical,” and many more. Most recently, he played Petruchio in “The
Taming of the Shrew” at Oddfellows. He hopes everyone enjoys the
show.
Laura Turnage (Ensemble): Laura is a sophomore at Middletown High
School. She attends the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where
she majors in theatre. This is not her first production, but is her first
musical.
CAST BIOS
Jeff Soun Long (Chuck Cranston): Jeff was born on December 13,
8056. He trained under the watchful eye of his mentor, Jeff Allen, and
learned to control his natural gifts as a young Padawan. Jeff Allen
found the young Jedi a gifted child, a suggested to the young Padawan
to join his active force, determined to rid the universe of evil. The
young Padawan auditioned for the position of “Blue Ranger” within
the Power Rangers: Acting Force and received word that he won the
role. Alongside his mentor and team of gifted Rangers, the young
Padawan opposes all that is evil. Acting!
Kim Peracchio (Featured Dancer): Kim is a sophomore at Middletown
High School. She attended acting classes for several months and
decided to get involved in the location production of "Footloose."
When the play is finished, Kim hopes to participate in her schools
theater. Other than acting, she enjoys cheerleading ad playing the
guitar. Kim would like to say thanks to her parents and older sister for
the love, help, and support they provide.
Raianne Raymond (Featured Dancer): Raianne has just graduated from
Middletown High School, and is planning on majoring in either Dance
or Psychology. She has danced for 13 years, which include ballet, tap,
jazz, lyrical, and more. She was an MHS varsity cheerleader for three
years, and this is her first musical.
Melissa Rogalski (Eleanor): Melissa graduated Middletown High
School with the Class of 2007. She attends the University of
Connecticut, where she is going into her third semester, majoring in
Nutritional Sciences/Dietetics. This is Melissa’s fifth (and most
important!) theater production. Mrs. Christine LaRosa was a very dear
friend and teacher that meant a lot to Melissa. She would like to thank
the incredible cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication.
Laura Adames
Owen Costello
David Bixby
Chrissy Cotter
Jarod Broduer
Ally Cullinan
Andrea Brown
Adriana Rolon
Kyle Samolik
Joey Czaja
Laura Turnage
Alyssa Defendi
Megan Imogen Doak
Jordan Watson
Vanessa Young
Allie Feitelson Alex Foxworth
Greg Laucella
Laura Gould
Natalie Schmitt Alex Sessoms
Emma Kehrhahn Jasmine Kehrhahn
Cady Knoll
Meghan Foley Anthony Pandolfe
Jeff Long
Caitlin Penepent
Kim Peracchio Raianne Raymond Melissa Rogalski Tom Rogalski
Ashley Fong
Aline Nocera
Sarah Bishop
**missing Lizzie Anderson-Krengel