Relive one of the greatest movie musicals on the Porthouse stage
Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University’s outdoor, summer theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, concludes its 48th season with “Footloose.”
Directed by Porthouse Producing Artistic Director Terri Kent, “Footloose” opens July 29 and runs through Aug. 14. A preview performance will take place on July 28. Based on the hit movie starring Kevin Bacon, “Footloose” is an exhilarating musical that will leave audiences on their feet. When high school student Ren moves from Chicago to a rural town, he is not prepared for some of the town’s strict rules, such as a ban on dancing. Teaming up with the local reverend’s daughter, Ren sets out to prove that dancing is not dangerous but just a fun part of life. Stage adaptation is by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie and is based on the original screenplay by Pitchford. Music is by Tom Snow, and lyrics are by Pitchford. Additional music is by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman. Performances are July 28, 29, 30 and Aug. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. and July 31 and Aug. 7, 13 and 14 at 2 p.m.
The production features Jim Bray* as Wes Warnicker/Cowboy Bob, Dan Gettler* as Willard Hewitt, alumna Tracee Patterson* as Ethel McCormack, Paul Schwensen* as Ren McCormack and Rohn Thomas* as Principal Harry Clark.
Costume design is by Kent State alumna Anne Medlock, sound design by alumnus Nathan Rosmarin, music direction by Associate Professor Jonathan Swoboda, lighting design by alumnus Yu (Leo) Lei, scenic design by alumnus Nolan O’Dell, choreography by Assistant Professor MaryAnn Black and technical direction by Heather Sinclair. The Equity production stage manager is alumna Liz Talaba*.
Single tickets and group tickets can be purchased by phone at 330-672-3884, in person at the Porthouse Box Office or online at www.porthousetheatre.com. The Porthouse Box Office is located in the Roe Green Center lobby of Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive in Kent, and is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Single tickets range in price from $22-40 for adults and $20-34 for students and children. Special rates for groups of 20 or more also are available.
The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
For more information about Porthouse Theatre, visit www.porthousetheatre.com.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Joni Koneval, jkoneval@kent.edu, 330-672-0116
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595