Sikeston Little Theatre to perform ‘Footloose’

Actors in the Sikeston Little Theatre’s production of “Footloose,” perform a scene. The production will have six showings with the first show on Aug. 5. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Noe/Sikeston Little Theatre)

Photo courtesy of Rachel Noe/Sikeston Little Theatre

SIKESTON — For those who are not afraid to cut loose, the new Sikeston Little Theatre production may be just for them.

“Footloose,” premieres Aug. 5 at the Sikeston Little Theatre, performed by students going into the sixth grade through graduating seniors. Adults are cast in the adult roles.

Based on the 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon, the story follows Ren, portrayed by Layne Collier and his mother (Teri Jett) as they move from Chicago to a small farming town.

While Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school, he isn’t prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by a local preacher (Hunter Coomes) who is determined to exercise control of the town’s youth.

When the reverend’s rebellious daughter (Stella Wright) sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid.

The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

​Produced by Wayne Noe, the show is directed by Jeremiah Dunmyer, assisted by Hilary Borton with choreography by Kate Davis and music direction by Amelia Harper, “Footloose” is a production set for all ages.

There will be six performances with the first set for Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. There will also be a 7 p.m. performance on Aug. 6 and a 2 p.m. performance on Aug. 7. The following weekend there will be two performances on Aug. 13, with one at 2 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. The final performance will be Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at www.sikestonlittletheater.com.