Photo Flash: Opening Night Of FOOTLOOSE At Theatre At The Center

Whatever the thermometer might say; this summer will be hitting the 80s on stage at Theatre at the Center! The 1980's musical Footloose will cut loose July 9 through August 16 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. The press performance of this exhilarating Broadway smash hit will be July 16. Directing and Choreographing Footloose will be Stacey Flaster.

A compelling story of teenage rebellion overcoming the misconceptions and fears of adults, Footloose is an inspiring tale about embracing change and celebrating life. The smash musical features electrifying dance sequences and a dazzling hit score including 80's favorites "Almost Paradise, "Let's Hear it for the Boy," "Holding Out for a Hero," and "Footloose."

When free-spirited Ren moves from Chicago to a conservative small town in the Midwest, he discovers that wide open spaces sometimes come with very narrow minds. The repressive local minister, Reverend Moore, has convinced the town to ban dancing and rock n' roll music. Complications arise when Ren falls in love with Reverend Moore's strong-willed daughter, Ariel. Together they start to stand up for their beliefs and revitalize the spirits of the town, winning over the hearts and souls of the whole community in an effort to make dancing legal again.

The cast of FOOTLOOSE features Matt Raftery as "Ren". Starring as "Ariel" will be Andrea Prestinario.

Also featured in FOOTLOOSE is Mary Jane Guymon as "Ethel McCormack", Larry Adams as "Reverend Shaw Moore", Cory Goodrich as "Vi Moore", Elizabeth Haley as "Lulu Warnicker", Robert Hildreth as "Wes Warnicker", Peter Vamvakas as "Coach Dunbar", Laura Taylor as "Principal Clark", Sarah Kinsey as "Elenore Dunbar", Linda Andrews as "Betty Blast", Donica Lynn as "Rusty", Rebecca Pink as "Urleen", Traci Allen as "Wendy Jo", Matt Bugay as "Lyle", Daniel Castro as "Cowboy Bob", Robert Deason as "Willard Hewitt", Kent Haina as "Chuck Cranston", Tate Jorgensen as "Travis", Travis Porchia as "Bickle" and Scott Stratton as "Garvin".

In addition to Stacey Flaster as Director and Choreographer, the Music Director is Bill Underwood. The design team for FOOTLOOSE is Scenic Designer Alan Schwanke, Costume Designer Nikki Delhomme, Lighting Designer Tim Fandrei, Wig and Makeup Designer Kevin Barthel, Props Designer Libby Fandrei and Sound Designer Victoria DeIorio. The Stage Manager is Rita Vreeland with ASM Jason Wroblewski. Production Manager is Chuck Gessert and Technical Director is Ann Davis.

Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional, equity theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. ($36.00); Fridays at 8:00 p.m. ($40.00); Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. ($40.00); Sundays at 2:30 p.m. ($40.00) and select Thursdays at 7:30, and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. To purchase individual tickets, call the box office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. For groups of 20 or more, call 219.836.3258. Gift certificates, perfect for all special occasions, are also available by calling the Theatre at the Center box office at 219.836.3255. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Linda Andrews and Traci Allen