La Mesa Kids Perform in San Diego Junior Theatre's 'Footloose'

The San Diego Junior Theatre made the following announcement on Aug. 2, 2012:

La Mesa’s Dakota Ringer and Jessica Merghart are among the 27 students from throughout San Diego County who are performing in San Diego Junior Theatre’s production “Footloose.” Based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon and John Lithgow, it runs through August 12 at Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado Theatre on Fridays at 7 p.m. and weekends at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $8 to $14 and are available online at juniortheatre.com or by calling (619) 239-8355. The August 11 show is being presented along with American Sign Language interpretation.  

Adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, “Footloose” takes place at a small farming town that’s turned upside-down when Ren, a high school student from Chicago, reluctantly moves there with his mother. Hailing from a metropolitan area, Ren struggles with fitting in at his new school and adjusting to the restrictive local laws, which includes a ban on dancing. The teen’s personal turmoil worsens when he falls for the wayward daughter of his church’s reverend, the ban’s originator.  

As in the feature film, musical numbers include “Footloose,” “Almost Paradise” and “Holding Out For A Hero.”  

Recommended for adults and children 10 years of age or older, “Footloose” showcases the dedication and skills of dozens of San Diego Junior Theatre students, both onstage and behind the curtain. With guidance from adult professionals, the crew members prepare costumes, apply make-up, run the stage lights and sound systems, and carry out most all other fundamental theater responsibilities. The show’s director and choreographer is Steve Anthony, a San Diego State University faculty member of the Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program.  

San Diego Junior Theatre is committed to the region’s youth by encouraging the development of their creativity, self-esteem and enjoyment of theater arts. Positively affecting students of all abilities, ages 3 through 18, the non-profit organization thrives through show ticket sales, class and camp enrollments and the generosity of its alumni and community members, as well as support from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Contributions to San Diego Junior Theatre are tax-deductible.