New Milford High School's Feet Are Loose!

New Milford High School opened its annual musical production on Friday, March 29th. Based on the iconic 1984 film, Footloose is full of comedy, tragedy, humor, action and love. Footloose is receiving much praise from its audiences. Many of the cast members can agree that this show is not only one of the best musicals that New Milford High School has ever put on, but the closest that the cast has ever been.

Set in the 1980s, newcomer Ren McCormack, played by Ryan Fitzgerald, just moved from Chicago to a small Midwestern town, Bomont. To his surprise, Ren learns the hard way that dancing and rock music is considered illegal in the conservative town. With the help of some friends, Ren might be able to loosen up and settle down. However, Ren cannot accept the customs of this place. He wants things to change; he wants to dance. The only thing standing in his way in the town’s infamous Reverend Shaw Moore, played by Brian Hinger.

This year, the musical warmingly welcomed some new faces to the production team. Ms. Taylor, our esteemed choral director, stepped up and bravely accepted her role as this year’s music director. Filling up some tough shoes, Mrs. Holm became this year’s technical director! Returning after last year’s stellar production of Curtains, Mr. Amenta is back as this year’s director! And of course, we cannot forget about our prestigious choreographer, Ms. McGuire, who is back for another year of dancing and another musical. We are so blessed to once again have another amazing pit orchestra led by the fabulous, Mr. Syzdek.

You might be thinking, how did the musical go from Curtains to Footloose? At one of our read-throughs, Mr. Amenta explained that he chose this show because it is a drama, yet it has the comedic elements to keep the audience engaged. He wants to show that New Milford High School is capable of more than just comedic murder mysteries.

Connor Stahl, senior percussionist for the 2019 pit orchestra, said, “Personally, I like Footloose the most out of every show I’ve been in. I started with Mary Poppins and then Curtains and both of them have had both Broadway and jazz styles of music. However, Footloose is a rock show and I really get to play the style I’ve grown up with. From going to sleep with i95 on the radio as a newborn, to seeing rock shows, to just relaxing with it, I’ve always had exposure.” The famed lifter continued saying, “So this year is especially great as I get to have as much fun as I want going wild and bringing my own take on the drum part.” Footloose is a show like no other and New Milford High School’s actors, stage-crewers and instrumentalists were ready to take on the challenge.

It is with a warm heart that the program welcomes some new faces to the stage! We wish our best to Joseph Sturino, Isabelle Bergman, Annabelle Colonna, Alexandra DaSilva, MJ Harding, Katie LaCava, Samantha Learson, Lucy McKay, Emmaline Moore and Eliza Peery in hopes that they continue to participate in the musical. Astonishingly, we have some leading first years, such as Zack Best, Kevin Terry, Patrick Fergus and Collin O’Brien. Congratulations to you all. It is people like this who give hope to future productions as the talent continues to grow.

All good things must come to an end. We are very sad to say goodbye to our seniors who have been involved in this program. The class of 2019 is filled with lots of talented actors, crew members and instrumentalists. The underclassmen will be missing our talented actors; Ryan McNulty, Ben Heaton, Kevin Terry, Collin O’Brien, Jacob Best, Dan Pettibone, Sam Bayers, Conner Caridad, Brian Dugan, Liam Lacey, Jenna Drahota, Sam Guardino, Maddy de la Parra, Maddie Bielmeier, Charlotte Bunt, Lilly Blanchard, Emma Bruzzi, Sophia Loria, Megan Lovejoy, Amelia Moschitta, Colleen O’Connor, Anna Santarelli and Sierra Woods.

Jenna Drahota, portraying the iconic 80’s dream role, Ariel Moore, said, “My favorite part of this show is the bonds that form between everyone. The whole cast becomes one big family, and it’s so nice to be working together on something we’re all so passionate about. Footloose really is an incredible show in so many ways, from the insane dance numbers to the intense emotional scenes, and getting to work on it with such lovely people really has been the highlight of my senior year!” Footloose is more than just a “drama club”; it’s a family. It’s something brings everyone together. We have swimmers, track runners, gymnasts, dancers, singers, actors, soccer players, and tons more that all come together and get involved in this show.

Likewise, Colleen O’Connor, our senior dance captain and Betty Blast, said, “We have worked harder than ever this year because the choreography is more demanding and with the snow storms we have to makeup for missed rehearsals… The feeling of Footloose is very special and the musical is like nothing else and it’s amazing to be apart of it. It will be one bitchin musical.” Later, she comedically adds, “...And Betty Blast will BLAST THIS MUSICAL TO THE HALO’S!”

On May 29th, 2019 the NMHS All-School Musical and NMHS Dramatics Club cast, crew and pit are once again participating in the Halo Awards, a regional theatre awards night! Footloose was nominated for 10 Halo Awards including Best Musical, Best Chorus and Best Leading Actor in a Musical. This year, Footloose won two of the 10 nominations including Best Comedic Actor in a Musical (Tyler Holm as Willard Hewitt) and Best Specialty Ensemble (Maddy de la Parra, Maddy LaFontan and Lily Boisvert as Rusty, Urleen and Wendy Jo). Members of Footloose would also like to congratulate Emily Hrostek for winning Best Comedic Actress in a Play for her role of Smeagol in the NMHS Dramatics Fall Play, Game of Tiaras. Congratulations to all involved in this year’s theatre program.

All in all, Footloose was a must-see production. Students, staff and members in the New Milford community “Can’t Stand Still” with the amount of talent this production revealed. “Can You Find It In Your Heart” to see the show? “Somebody’s Eyes” will be watching you buy those tickets and it’ll make the cast so thrilled.

Josh Abel