Directing a musical is a process that starts a year or more in advance. There’s so much reading, researching, listening, and thinking about students as we narrow the choices and finally choose THE musical. For twenty years, I’ve always felt pressure in choosing the exact right show that will meet the needs of students and communities….and just hope it turns out ok! This is never a duty taken lightly. A year ago, I was listening and researching musicals trying to find the “right one” and I found myself gravitating towards a tried and true favorite: “Footloose.” I wanted to find something different and new, and yet the signs were everywhere: “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” on the radio in my car, Kevin Bacon in a Facebook feed video, and 80s clothes in all the stores!! I knew it was time to revive it for CHS!!
Twenty years ago, in our first production of “Footloose,” a young band and choir teacher were music directing their first show, in a school with a history of a thriving musical department. We learned ALOT that first year, and the next year, and every year since. Each cast brings a new spark, nuance, and light to our stage. I wasn’t sure we’d ever bounce back after the pandemic, and yet, here we are, back to where it all started. This cast has worked tirelessly, worked towards every goal I've asked of them, and even helped with building and decorating their own set!
There will never be enough words to show my gratitude:
*To students that work through numerous challenges to rise to their greatest potential.
*To the team of adults that it takes to pull a production together onstage and behind the scenes.
*To a school and community that always supports us and allows room for our creative juices to flow.
*To the students that have graced our halls and classrooms throughout the years teaching us, challenging us, and continuously raising the bar for CHS music students.
A million thank you’s are never enough.
“Footloose” will forever have a special place in our hearts. The message of patience, redemption, and fighting for what you believe in is a great message for all of us!! But for Mr. Miller and myself, it was the 1st show, the 9th show, and now the 20th show together. We find new joy, love, and excitement in every production. It is our sincerest wish that all of these feelings are contagious to our audiences!! It is a blessing to work with our musical Blue Demons, and we look forward to many more years of joy on this stage!
-Mandi Steele
