The Millstone Times April 2022

Footloose ... A Night to Remember! By Pam Teel

Millstone Township Middle School drama club students kicked off their Sunday shoes on March 4th and 5th at the Millstone Performing Arts Center. The crew, composed of 48 students, danced and sang their hearts out in a live performance of the musical, “Footloose,” a high energy 80’s dance show. The musical is based on the 1984 film “Footloose” and is a collaboration between Di- rector, Lisamarie Cappuzzo, Musical Director, Heather Philhower, and Choreographer, Emily Dotsey, who are all teachers at the Middle School. The teachers were assisted by 4 student stage managers and 10 crew members. Some of the popular show tunes the students sang were “Almost Paradise,” “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” “Holding out for a Hero,” “Footloose,” and more. “It’s impossible not to sing along, and sway in your seats,” Musical director, Heather Philhower remarked. The play was a great success. “This show was so much fun,” stated, eighth grade student Brian Deniz, who played one of the leads, as Ren McCormick- a free-spirited teen from Chicago who relocated to a Midwest town where dancing and rock and roll were outlawed. It was the first time that Brian was in a play. "At first I was so nervous, but after that first scene, all those butterflies seemed to go away, and I got more confident. I was able to do what I worked so hard for the past two months. I'm so glad I did this. If I didn't try out for this play, I never would have known how much I loved it. I will try out for plays when I go to high school,” Brian stated. “I can’t imagine going a day without dancing,” said 6th grader Bella Baldino, who plays another lead, Ariel Moore, the minister's rebellious daughter. This was also her first time in a play. “I would definitely do it again,” she stated. "I loved performing in front of a live audience. I feel so free on stage. I have been dancing since I was two years old, and it's my passion. But this was my first time singing and acting in front of a crowd. I had no idea how quickly I would fall in love with the theater. I'm so grateful that Mrs. Cappuz- zo, Mrs. Philhower, and Mrs. Dotsey, believed in me and took a chance on a 6th grader. I gave it my all, and I had the most amazing time. I am really sad it's over."

Main leads Brian Deniz and Bella Baldino

For some students, this was their first time singing and dancing in a musical. Teachers spent several weeks guiding these young actors and actresses with a warm heart. “I love watching the students gain confidence on stage and blossom right in front of our eyes,” stated Emily Dotsey. You were also able to catch a glimpse of eight of Millstone’s own teachers, who were in a special dance number, while Art Teacher, Jaclyn Dawson, and the art club, brought the audience back in time with spectacular scenery for the production. “It is thrilling to experience the magic of theater coming to life again through these students,” stated Lisamarie Cappuzzo. “The energy and enthusiasm they bring to the stage is contagious, and it sure did fill the audience with the spirit and energy of the 80’s.” “This was the second play for Seventh grader, Jacob Hamulewicz, who played the character, Willard Hewitt. "My favorite part was learning the dances, which was not easy for Willard. Learning my lines was easy. It came naturally. Willard's character is funny,” Jacob stated. “I used the crowd's reactions when they laughed as motivation. My favorite part of being in the play is meeting new people. We are all learning together and working together towards the same goal. I would definitely try out for another play.” "Memorizing the choreography and lines were easy,” stated eighth grader, Isabella Merse, who played the character, Rusty. This was her second play. "I was nervous at first, but after the first note, I said to myself, I am going to have fun with it, and picture the crowd empty like it was during tech week. I just really felt prepared. The best part of doing this play for me was getting closer to friends and meeting new ones. The whole ensemble is like one big family, and it's easy to be myself around this cast." "For some of the cast it was their first time doing this. I can't believe howmuch talent was on this stage,” stated eighth grader, Gargi Patel, who played the character, Vi Moore. "I loved finally being in person and on a stage with a live audience. It was so much more fun than being virtual. I definitely will do this in high school.” Eighth grader, Greta Vitug, who played the character, Ethel McCormack stated, "This cast grew as a family and we all have a mutual understanding for each other. Last year, the play was virtual, so it was almost like filming a movie. I will definitely continue doing plays in high school. Congratulations to the whole cast and crew for a job well done. There are so many lessons to be learned working together as a whole. I’m sure every child who participated in this play will carry this experience with them throughout their lives. The world needs more of you dedicated teachers who took the time to teach, guide, and inspire them. If you want a child’s mind to grow, you must first plant a seed! Great job teachers! “Footloose” is a Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Robbie, based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford. Music by Tom Snow. Lyrics by Dean Pitchford. Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Logins and Jim Steinman. Cast of Footloose

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