Every year, the students at Hillsborough High School anxiously await the announcement of what the spring musical will be. This year HHS Drama has chosen to put on the show Footloose.

This year’s musical features a very large cast with many participating in musicals from years past as well. The male Ren McCormack, is played by junior Wasif Sami. The female lead, Ariel Moore, is played by junior Abigail Griffin. Other prominent characters include sophomore Falcon Burns as Reverend Shaw, senior Brandon Luckenbaugh as Willard Hewitt, junior Sabrina Schubert as Rusty, junior Maggie Johnson as Vi Moore, sophomore Elena Waddleton as Ethel McCormick, and junior Merissa Joju as Urleen, and so many more.

The musical Footloose is based on the 1984 film of the same name. In this play, main character Ren McCormick moves from Chicago to a small Midwestern town called Bomont. Ren is shocked to find that his new home has outlawed dancing and rock music. Throughout his journey to bring back music and dancing to Bomont along with the help from his new friend Willard Hewitt, Ren faces Reverend Moore, struggles to fit in, and meets his love interest Ariel Moore.

Griffin spoke about the intense rehearsal process prior to the night of the show.

“Everything starts with rehearsals in December,” Griffin said. “We practice for 2 hours a day, 4-5 days a week. Once we get closer to the show we practice almost every day. Rehearsals consist of learning choreography, practicing the songs, staging the show and running our lines.”

The musical every year can not come to life without many people working behind the scenes as well. Many students volunteer to help offstage to make the play come to life. The choreographer/director of the play, Ivette Sosa Dempsey, is assited by assistant directors including junior Theresa Smith, and senior Evan Centofanti. She is also assisted by HHS alum, Pearla Smith, as dance captain/assistant choreographer.

One of the actresses, junior Annalise Drab, talked about the upcoming show and what she is excited for.

“I’m excited for combining everything I love into a musical that everyone of all ages can enjoy,” Drab said. “Not only is it relatable to people of my generation but to our parents as well, so they can enjoy an adaptation of one of the movies they grew up with.”

It is highly recommend you see HHS Drama’s latest production to see all the hard work everyone contributed to create such a wonderful spectacle. Footloose runs March 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 7:00 p.m. and on March 8 at 2:00 p.m.