LOWER LAKE >> “Footloose,” an American musical drama dance film written by Dean Pitchford and directed by Herbert Ross, premiered in 1984 telling the story of a city teenager who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned; his rebellious spirit, however, soon shakes up the populace.
And so, Tracy Lahr, Lower Lake High School’s drama teacher, and choir director, will shake up the town this weekend as she brings her Lower Lake cast of students to perform “Footloose” at the Cornelison Event Center at the Konocti Education Center.
Director Lahr says the cast has been rehearsing for two months and that she is eager to showcase the talent of her students, many of whom will be experiencing their first time on the stage.
“For 12 members of this cast of 21, this will be their first time on stage doing a musical performance,” she says.
They’ve had some hurdles to overcome—the first time they will not be performing on their own campus, and seven members of the original cast dropped out—but Lahr and her cast remain undaunted.
“Although I don’t have the usual stage experience with this group of students, the kids are working especially hard,” she says.
Lahr is pleased to have been able to watch Peerliss Brook, playing Reverand Shaw Moore, as he has grown from a neophyte performer his freshman year into an accomplished thespian as a senior, able to sing three solos in a lead role.
“He is delightful to watch,” she says.
Lahr’s cast is young; Evelyn Campbell, a 7th grader, takes on the role of Urleen.
“This production has been one of the best times in my life,” she says. “We’ve worked very hard and been through our ups and downs, and everyone has been very supportive, especially Ms. Lahr.”
“She has a beautiful, strong voice and is a joy to watch on stage,” says Lahr. “Imagine auditioning for a high school play at that age and walking away with a lead role?”
Lahr is impressed with Maeli Flores, a junior in her first theatrical production who, three weeks ago, had to take over a lead role and learn all the parts of the performance this weekend.
“She’s in my show choir class but has never taken a drama class,” she says.
With the help of veteran choreographer Michelle John-Smith, a kindergarten teacher at Lower Lake Elementary School, the group dance scenes are dynamic and engaging.
“Michelle is an amazing choreographer who has outdone herself; we have been working together for years, and I couldn’t imagine doing this without her,” says Lahr.
Samantha Hughes, a sophomore who plays Wendy Jo is a veteran stage performer. This is her 6th production.
“Being a part of a drama community is one of the best decisions I ever made. It introduced me to a family with bonds that will last forever. Drama helped me come out of my shell and go from being a shy little girl into a very outgoing person,” she says.
Malajiahna Robinson, 17 years old, plays Ethel McCormick and Betty Blast and says that her time in this musical has been one of the best experiences of her life.
“Acting has always been a way to escape and find happiness while times are rough. This musical has kept me going and kept me smiling,” she says.
Tiera Bright is 17; she plays Vi, and this is her first production.
“This play helped me get out of a low time in my life and helped me step out of my comfort zone. I’m blessed to be part of this dedicated cast. We have gone through so much together and worked so hard. I hope this production shows it,” she says.
Rounding out the cast is Jordan Lott, a senior playing the lead role of Ren, a veteran performer—a singer and a dancer with a great stage personality; Vanessa Hughes, a senior playing Ariel who portrays a bit of a bad girl and Carlos Avelar, a senior performing in his first musical in the role of Willard.
“There’s so much talent on the stage both acting and singing; they’ve been working so hard and are so energetic, and it’s so much fun to see them shine on the stage,” says director Lahr.
Performances of Footloose will take place at Konocti Education Center’s Cornelison Event Center at 15850 Dam Rd. in Lower Lake. on Friday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 6t at 2 p.m.
Tickets for students are $10, senior citizens are $11, and adults are $12 and can be purchased at LLHS or at the door.
