York St John’s Musical Production Society are performing Footloose: The Musical this week.
Four shows will take place at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre over the next three days.
Footloose follows the story of Ren McCormack’s move from Chicago to Beaumont, a town governed by such extensive local laws that even dancing is illegal. While struggling to fit in, free-spirited Ren makes friends with Willard and also Ariel, the Reverend’s defiant daughter, who help him in his battle to change the law.
We spoke to Zoe King, the Director of the Musical Production Society (MPS), about the team’s upcoming performance. She said: “We are feeling brilliant in the run up to the shows! The cast have worked so unbelievably hard to give this show their all, and have faced entirely new challenges. Since January they have worked tirelessly twice a week, and it has absolutely paid off.”
In relation to the society’s interpretation of Footloose, Zoe said: “Aside from some slight changes, the show is very faithful to the original story. Something we have tried to do is delve into these characters to truly understand them as people. Every actor has really had the upmost respect for their roles, and have taken the time to explore many complex character arcs, and have used that while working with me to add their own intentions and stylistic choices to the staging, vocals and choreography.”
YSJ’s Musical Production Society (MPS) have previously performed 9to5 and The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical along with their Annual Winter Showcase.
Ellie Trueman is a member of MPS and in Footloose she’s playing a Chicago kid/Cowboy. Performing in her third show with the society, she said: “The rehearsals are hard but fun and the closer the show gets the more exciting it is!”
Show Times:
- Today @ 7:30pm
- Friday @ 7:30pm
- Saturday @ 2:30pm
- Saturday @ 7:30pm
Ticket prices range from £12-£15.
So if you’re looking for a chance to kick of your Sunday shoes on a different day get yourself a ticket and dance along to Joseph Rowntree theatre this week! Book tickets here.
For those who are interested in future theatrical productions from the MPS, they will announce their next main show in September. You can follow their Instagram account to keep an eye out for that.
Picture credits: Musical Production Society York St John University
