‘Footloose’ comes to Manalapan

MANALAPAN — Students at Manalapan High School will kick up their heels and sing their hearts out when they present the musical “Footloose” from March 5-8.

Under the direction of Jesse Grabowski, choreographer Tara Eccles and vocal director Danielle Grubb, “Footloose” centers around teenager Ren McCormack (senior Scott Ventre), who has always been moving to his own beat until he and his mom move to a town where dancing has been banned.

Ren goes head-to-head with the conservative adults who are keeping their feet on the ground, and sparks fly. Joining the movement and stealing Ren’s heart is Ariel (sophomore Sami Citro), the rebellious daughter of the Rev. Shaw Moore (sophomore Kevin Kemler), who has a hold on the town.

Students from the Manalapan High School band, under the direction of music teacher Jose Maunez, will accompany the performers with songs that include “Let’s Hear it For The Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” “The Girl Gets Around,” “Mama Says” and “Almost Paradise.”

Other lead cast members are junior Greg Gorrenc, senior Fran Treretola, sophomore Melissa Silano and junior Chelsea DeMaio.

The curtain for “Footloose” will be raised on March 5 at 7 p.m., March 6-7 at 8 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 pm. Tickets will be available at the door for $8 each or in advance for $6 each ($4 for senior citizens). Advance tickets may be purchased at Manalapan Foodtown, Tennent Road, or by visiting www.mhstheater.com. For more information, call 732 792-7200, ext. 8340.