Let’s hear it for GVPAA’s cast and crew of Footloose, whose jubilant, energetic celebration is an irresistible invitation to kick off your Sunday shoes and dance.

Based off of the 1984 movie of the same name, Footloose tells the story of teenage Ren McCormack whose life gets turned upside down once his mother uproots him from Chicago to the small, conservative and borderline theocratic town of Bomont, after his father abandons them. He’s immediately shocked to learn that, in a fatal accident off of the Potawney Bridge that killed four Bomont teens, the town council, led by the influential Reverend Shaw Moore, placed an ordinance that prohibited dancing and rock music within the confines of Bomont. But with the help of the  Reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel, his new, awkward friend Willard, and Ariel’s best friend, Rusty, the youth of Bomont all work together to challenge the ordinance, and convince the town council to listen and recognize that the youth deserve the freedom to finally cut loose and heal. 

Primarily, Footloose is a dramatic comedy and a rock musical that touches upon themes of repression, grief, family drama, forgiveness, and the clash between generations and ideologies.

Cole Miller gave a spectacular performance as Ren McCormack, commanding the stage with his powerful vocality and dynamic energy. Ariel Moore, played by Maddie Moore, was equally compelling, perfectly capturing her emotional complexity as the rebellious daughter of a religious authority figure. The natural, sweet chemistry between the leads elevated the production; their heartwarming connection offering the crucial balance to the deeper, more melancholic moments. The sheer enthusiasm radiating from Miller and Moore throughout the show demonstrated a truly strong and focused partnership. 

Aidan Simpkiss delivered an intensely powerful performance as Reverend Shaw Moore. His skillful command of emotion successfully channeled the character’s profound internal conflicts—specifically his crippling grief and denial of the widening rift between himself, his daughter, and his wife, Vi Moore, a role played with palpable sincerity by Emma Moran. Providing essential comic relief and an undeniable vocal punch, Lauren Cusick was an absolute powerhouse as Rusty. With her classic 1980s perm and massive energy, Cusick effortlessly commanded the stage, consistently capturing the audience’s attention whenever she stepped into the spotlight.

The GV Set and Tech Crews excelled with sheer attention to detail. Their efforts, including seamless, quick scene changes and the subtle, powerful addition of four phone poles representing the Potawney Bridge victims, significantly elevated the performance. Stage Manager Jack Johnston ensured consistent technical quality throughout the show, maintaining excellent microphone sound and executing all cues with perfect timing.

GVPAA’s Still Rockin’ production of Footloose was one that made audiences say “I Can’t Stand Still”!