Newburgh Free Academy presents the classic and iconic musical Footloose on the weekend of March 21 to 22 for all of Newburgh to enjoy. Attendees of the spring production will enjoy singing, dancing, drama, colorful lights and sounds, colorful sets and all sorts of fun portrayed by NFA students.

The story of Footloose follows Ren, a Chicago kid who moves to the small town of Bomont, Utah with his mom to live with his aunt and uncle. As Ren adjusts to his new life, he quickly learns life here is not the same as it was back in Chicago, especially when it comes to what is and isn’t allowed. One of those things not allowed and banned through the influence of the local preacher is dancing. During the course of production, Ren meets new friends, must overcome some challenges and dances his way into the lives of others, hoping to change their minds about dancing and other things being outlawed. The story of Footloose has been heavily popularized by the movie that starred Kevin Bacon in 1984, 41 years ago. A 2011 remake of the film was later released.

NFA director Mandy Clifford returns to direct and lead the NFA cast and crew as they make their way to opening weekend. “They are well on their way to really giving an exciting show for our audience,” she said. “They’ve been working very hard. We’ve been working since the end of December, right before the winter break.”

The work on the show Clifford says has taken place over the past two months. The cast and crew have been working every day after school, learning the singing and the dancing. The crews themselves have been working and learning the sets, building, decorating and working the inner components of the show.

For the NFA cast and crew, a majority of seniors this year, many of them are looking forward to bringing the iconic show to life on their stage on opening night in the coming days. Many of them are feeling excited, others are feeling nervous, others are feeling sad but overall, they are ready to put on a great show for Newburgh. “I’m so excited to put on this show. I’ve put so much into it, because when I was a kid, I used to love Footloose. It was the first musical I technically knew of,” said Vincent Shelinsky.

“I love the story of Footloose, I didn’t think I was gonna get this role. So I’m so honored that I get to get that, have that role, and be able to portray the character and be able to be that part of the story. And I’m so excited for people to come in and see this story,” said Talia D’Addio.

“Footloose, it’s a classic for sure, and it’s a great way to connect with more of the older audience side, and that’s very important, and it takes a lot of work,” said Jonathan Black. “I’m very excited to do this show, and, you know, make a name for myself and everyone around us. And I believe that NFA has created such a strong, well rounded name for putting on productions. We do it like no other.”

“I’m feeling very excited just to see, just observe the growth that everyone has had over this whole show, and to put on, hopefully a great production,” said Grace Musante. I’m also feeling very thankful for my past four years here, and how each show that I’ve done over my high school career has contributed to every part of my being as a performer.”

“I’m feeling excited, I’m also feeling confident, because this is the second production I’ve worked on,” said Sebastian Burgarelli. “It’s just amazing watching these people work, and watching myself grow and work.”

Several of the leads, the ensemble actors and members of the stage crew will perform or work on an NFA show for their final time before making their way to graduation. Other members of the cast will now say goodbye to their peers as they look to build on their legacy and their friends who have been with them over the years. Senior students shed tears when either speaking about their cast or their director Clifford who have helped them become better actors and students over the years.

“I’m feeling really excited, of course, a little nervous. I’m very excited for this production, and also a bit sad because it is my last NFA production, and I will be saying goodbye to a lot of awesome people,” said Maya Simms. “I’m excited for people to come and see this awesome show that everybody has worked really, really hard on.”

“Building the stage set that they can interact with is really beautiful for me. This is my passion. I found out what I want to do for the rest of my life, I want to do this professionally,” said Dakota Diamond. “Knowing the last four years happened with these guys was something really special.”

“I moved here two years ago, and I never did musical theater until here, and so just knowing that this is my last production is very sad, but also super exciting, because I’m ready for the next upcoming projects that we have,” said Renee Pena.

“It’s a very bittersweet feeling. I know everybody’s gonna say sad, excited. It’s become a routine for me for the last four years to do this. So just for this routine to be over in two weeks, it’s gonna be crazy to get adjusted to but I’m excited to end this and end it with a bang,” said Daisy Aquino.

“I feel like everyone really taught me how to be a performer and tips that I could take along with me as I move past my high school career and then go into my collegiate career,” said Akhiir McNeil. “It’s bittersweet, but I feel everything I’ve done in my high school career is only, it’s only in preparation for what’s to come in my college years.”

The Footloose performance dates will be Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 22 at 2 p.m.and at 7 p.m. The show will be held at Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus Auditorium, 201 Fullerton Ave. Tickets can be purchased at the door or via the following link: nfamusical.booktix.com/dept/main/e/Footloose.

More information can be found on the district website:newburghschools.org. The box office contact can be reacted at the number 845-563-5400 and email nfamusical@gmail.com.

Footloose Cast List
Ren McCormack - Jonathan Black

Ethel McCormack - Abbie D’Agostino
Rev. Shaw Moore - Shamari Mays
Vi Moore - Grace Musante
Ariel Moore - Penelope Batelic
Lulu Warnicker - Mya Thomas-Pabon
Wes Warnicker - Sutton Garcia-Ortero
Rusty - Talia D’Addio
Urleen - Emma Schupner
Wendy Jo - Kaelyn Black
Chuck Cranston - Joseph Coleman
Lyle - Vincent Shelinsky
Travis - Quinn Tracey
Willard Hewitt - Emmett Koval
Bickle - Akhiir McNeil
Garvin - Sebastian Burgarelli
Jeter - Max Vegliando
Principal Harry Clark - Max Vegliando
Cowboy Bob - Vincent Shelinsky
Coach Dunbar - Eli McNair
Eleanor Dunbar - Diosmari Rodriguez
Cop - Samaya Lassic
Cowboy Bob’s Band - Max Vegliando, Sutton Garcia-Otero, Quinn Tracey, Samaya Lassic, Aaliyah Fryar, Alivia Howard
Featured Dance Ensemble - Sanaya Fernandez, Adriana Galaviz, Adalis Garcia, Amy Garcia, Madi Mattesi, Kiera O’Shea, Renee Pena, Claire Smith, Karla Vasquez, Akhiir McNeil
Ensemble - Maison Davis, Aaliyah Fryar, Olivia Garcia, Alivia Howard, Samaya Lassic, Caila Mcmillan, Dana Miesas, Chloe Moore-Marmol, Nicholas Morales, Renee Pena, Sydney Phillips, Chelsea Rein, Diosamari Rodriguez, Eli McNair.

Footloose at NFA Crew List

Production Manager - Dakota Diamond
Stage Manager - Daisy Aquino
Student Director - Amelia Moore-Marmol
Orchestra Liaison/ Rehearsal Track Operator - Maya Simms
Prop Managers - Alexa Prada, Abigail Ehlers
Costume Managers - Tahiri Landolfa, Charlotte Perry
Stage Crew - Aydan Cortes, Annabella DeFrancesco, Elisa Mejia, Ann Quintero, Lilliana Reyes, Teresa Son, Dennise Vaquero
Sound Crew - Mia Santos, Emilio Bell, Carlos Rodriguez
Spotlight - Katelyn Martinez Cruz, Xavier Miller-Shaw
Lights - Brendan Baxter, Amelia Moore-Marmol