Purple Haze
Kick off your Sunday shoes
By Amy Kimmel

Feburary 25, 2016

This weekend kick off your shoes with Northern’s production of Footloose! The cast has been eagerly preparing the show full of drama and show-stopping songs for the past three months. Last week elementary school students got a taste of the show as a group of the Footloose cast went mobile, touring all four elementary schools. The kids were completely engrossed in the big kids’ performance, especially the “fake” slap demonstrated by one of the cast members. I sat in on NES’s sneak peak which included guest star appearances by music teacher, Mrs. Silbaugh, and Principal, Mrs. Cal. The kids erupted into applause and, when asked who was coming to Footloose, everyone’s arms flung into the air.

High School students and faculty had their own exclusive look at Footloose Wednesday morning. The casts’ microphones were set along with complete hair, makeup, and costume. Songs like “I need a Hero” and “Mama says” were performed while the casts’ peers filled the audience.

Musical practices this week have lasted nearly five hours each night as the pit and cast added finishing touches to the show. Senior Kendra Hebenstreit, performing as the role of “Rusty,” participated in the musical because having the opportunity to act gives her “absolute happiness.” “I love spending time with some of my best friends and meeting new people while doing what we all love to make a show and characters come to life,” she says. Be sure to listen for Hebenstreit’s voice in “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”- my favorite song from the musical!

Performances will be Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in the lobby before the shows or online at www.showtix4u.com. See you opening night!