Footloose, this year’s spring musical, is based on a film from 1984, following Ren McCormack, a rebellious teenager who moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont, and his journey of healing – particularly through dance and friendship.

The show runs Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19 at Dallastown Area High School, with tickets around $12 ($13.35 with fees).

The students involved have been working very hard to bring this show together, spending two to three hours every day to make the magic happen.

“We’re putting a whole hour and a half show together, so sometimes we run dance numbers multiple times, or we run lines until everyone gets their blocking correct or no lines are missed,” said Jules Gutekunst, a senior playing the role of Vi Moore.

Many students involved in the production said that while being a part of the musical is very time-consuming, the friendships and final product make it worth it in the end.

“I stay motivated through the idea of a complete project and getting to perform the whole thing in front of a packed audience,” said Teagan Gentry, a senior who is playing Wendy Jo.

Nyla Scott, a sophomore and member of the ensemble shared a similar perspective.

“My motivation to keep going is making everyone in the audience happy from what they are seeing up on stage.”

Despite the huge commitment, cast members end up having a blast. Caleb Armstong, a junior playing the role of Cowboy Bob and Bickle, shares this perfectly.

“We’re all family, we’re all friends, so we just want to be around each other and joke around all the time.”

Throughout the preparation for the production of the musical, friendships play an important role- they help create lasting memories as well as keeping each other going.

“The best part of musicals is all the friends you make and all of the amazing experiences,” shared Anna Papp, a sophomore in the ensemble.

“The memories and friends are what I cherish the most as well as the show we put on in the end,” said Jillian Levy, another sophomore in the ensemble.

Shawn Moncla, a sophomore in the ensemble, wraps it up nicely.

“ I do musicals because I love music, but moreover, the people are what makes it special.”

As all the students’ hard work and effort comes to an end with the final bow, many will miss those leaving, but will forever remember the memories made.

Tickets can be purchased with this link.