'Footloose' on stage at MHS

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

The Matanzas High School theater department is preparing one of its biggest productions ever.
“Footloose,” which opens Friday, April 10, boasts a cast of almost 40, including actors, dancers from Mia Bella Academy of Dance and the Matanzas jazz band. Three teachers, Tom DeCeglie, Jeremy Pease and Jason Keen, will also make spot appearances.

“Footloose,” a 1984 film remade into a musical in 2011, tells the story of Ren McCormack, an upbeat Chicago teen who moves to a small town where a local minister’s pressure has gotten dancing and rock music banned. The play centers around McCormack’s interactions with the town.

“It matches how the kids feel about theatre and expression and acting,” said Amy Mackay, director and theater teacher at Matanzas. “It goes along with that sense that they want to break out.”

The leads are played by Michael Pontarelli as McCormick, Grace Klopman as Ariel and Max Wolfe as Rev. Moore.

Proceeds from ticket sales return to the theatre program.

Sales from last year allowed 25 students to attend workshops at State Thespian Festival this year, and six students to compete.

“It’s building confidence,” Mackay said. “A lot of kids get to try out their confidence for the first time on stage.”

This production will be Mackay’s last with the school, as she will be moving to New Hampshire with her husband at the end of the school year.

“Personally, this has been my dream job and I’m going to miss everyone — all of my students,” she said.