'Footloose' dancing into Draper

The Draper Historic Theatre is presenting the musical "Footloose." It will run Friday, Saturday and Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. through Oct. 23, with a Saturday matinee on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.

One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with

exhilarating results. When Ren McCormack and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town,

Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend's rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

To the rockin' rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million copies) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, "Footloose" celebrates the wisdom of listening to young

people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.

Cast members include Cody Crabb, M Ryan Taylor, Kimberly Robbins, Nichole Omana, Jake Kelly, Jeanette Matern, Nathan Leach and Danielle Wilson.

The Draper Theatre is located at 12366 South 900 East. Ticket information at www.drapertheare.org.