NEWTOWN – Newtown Stage Co. is bringing high schoolers from Newtown and surrounding communities to the stage for a full-length performance of Footloose: The Musical.
Based on the 1984 film, Footloose follows Ren (Dennell Sidne, of Monroe) and his mother, Ethel (Elizabeth Collins, of Newtown), as they relocate from Chicago to the small, rural town of Bomont. Ren is shocked to learn that dancing and rock music have been outlawed by the strict Reverend Shaw Moore (Richard Bierut, of Monroe) due to a tragic accident years prior that claimed the lives of four local youths.
Along with his new friend Willard (Kevin Gray, of Newtown) and the Reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel (Audrey Collins, of Monroe), and her friends Urleen (Ellie Harrington, of Newtown), Rusty (Amelia Nash, of Newtown), and Wendy Jo (Angelina Soto, of Newtown), Ren challenges the law. Despite opposition from Ariel’s controlling boyfriend, Chuck (Jake Goelesky, of Newtown), and the town council, Ren rallies his new friends to defy the ban, heal the community’s grieving spirit, and help the Reverend let go of his grief so the teenagers can finally hold their senior prom and dance freely.
The stage adaptation brings the beloved film to life with high-octane choreography and classic ’80s hits. Notable songs include “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Almost Paradise,” and more.
This production is directed by Ryan Loucks (Newtown), music directed by Megan Kirk (Newtown), choreographed by Erin Loucks (Newtown) and Angelina D’Albero (based in NY/CT), and stage managed by Leah Crebbin (Newtown). This show features costume design by Kristin Castaldi (Newtown), assistant direction by Dawn Field (Newtown), and assistant music direction by Jules Kessler (Newtown). The show is co-produced by Erin Loucks (Newtown) and Katie Bloom (Monroe).
Performance Schedule & Details:
Edmond Town Hall Theater, 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
- Fri., Jul. 31, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
- Sat., Aug. 1, 2026, 1:00 p.m.
- Sat., Aug. 1, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
- Sun., Aug. 2, 2026, 1:00 p.m.
Footloose: The Musical is 2.5 hours long, which includes a 15-minute intermission, and is sure to have both young and old dancing in their seats while celebrating the incredible local talent of teens from Newtown and surrounding towns. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at newtownstageco.com.
(Top Photo)
Ren played by Dennell Sidne and Ariel played by Audrey Collins both are from Monroe.
(Middle Photo)
Urleen played by Ellie Harrington, Rusty played by Amelia Nash and Wendy Jo Played by Angelina Soto. All three girls are Newtown Residents.
The Southbury Record 