Footloose
An Electrifying Dance Musical
Book by Dean Pritchford and Walter Bobbie, Music by Tom Snow, Lyrics by Dean Pritchford
Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pritchford
Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman
I can’t stand still! Based on the film of the same name, this toe-tapping musical is set in the little southern town of Bomont, where dancing has been outlawed by the Reverend Shaw Moore after a terrible accident. New arrival Ren McCormack is quick to stir up trouble when he catches the eye of Moore’s rebellious daughter, Ariel, and comes up with the idea to throw a dance for the town. With an Oscar-nominated score and dynamic new songs, this show will make you want to cut loose!
NOTE: This show contains alcohol and mild adult themes as well as flashing lights.
FOOTLOOSE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
Wednesday, June 15th at 8:00pm - Opening Night Party
Thursday, June 16th at 8:00pm
Friday, June 17th at 8:00pm
Saturday, June 18th at 2:00pm - THEATRE FOR ALL PERFORMANCE
Saturday, June 18th at 8:00pm
Wednesday, June 22nd at 8:00pm
Thursday, June 23rd at 8:00pm
Friday, June 24th at 8:00pm
Saturday, June 25th at 8:00pm
Location: Forest Roberts Theatre
Tickets are $17 for General Public, $12 for NMU Faculty/Staff, Seniors, and Military, $10 for Students, and $5 for NMU Students.
Musical Numbers
ACT I
Footloose* - Rusty, Wendy Jo, Urleen, Company
On Any Sunday - Shaw, Ren, Ethel, Company
The Girl Gets Around** - Chuck, Ariel, Travis, Lyle
I Can't Stand Still - Ren
Somebody's Eyes - Rusty, Urleen, Wendy Jo, Company
Learning To Be Silent - Vi, Ethel, Ariel
Holding Out For A Hero+ - Ariel, Rusty, Wendy Jo, Urleen
Somebody's Eyes - Scene Change - Rusty, Wendy Jo, Urleen
Somebody's Eyes - Reprise - Rusty, Wendy Jo, Urleen, Chuck, Lyle, Travis
Heaven Help Me - Shaw
I'm Free*/Heaven Help Me - Ren, Shaw, Company
ACT 2
Still Rockin' - Cowboy Bob and His Band
Let's Hear It For The Boy - Rusty, Company
Can You Find It In Your Heart? - Vi
Dancing Is Not A Crime - Ren
Mama Says (You Can't Back Down) - Willard, Bickle, Garvin, Jeter, Ren
Mama Says - Encore - Willard, Bickle, Garvin, Jeter, Ren
Almost Paradise++ - Ren, Ariel
Heaven Help Me - Reprise - Shaw
Can You Find It In Your Heart? - Reprise - Shaw
Footloose* - Finale - Company
All music by Tom Snow, except: *Kenny Loggins; **Sammy Hagar; +Jim Steinman; ++Eric Carmen
All Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, except; "Footloose" lyrics by Dean Pitchford and Kenny Loggins
Cast List
| Ren McCormack | Brendan Sheehan |
| Reverend Shaw Moore | Gavin Carnahan |
| Ariel Moore | Jimena Flores Sanchez |
| Vi Moore | Jill Vermeulen |
| Willard Hewitt | Nathan Petit |
| Ethel McCormack | Emily Fitzpatrick |
| Chuck Cranston | Gabe Kohlbeck |
| Rusty | Chloe Calhoun |
| Wendy Jo | Corinne Holland |
| Urleen | Maggie Medford |
| Lulu Warnicker | Sylvia Gravel |
| Wes Warnicker | Quinn Skelly |
| Coach Dunbar | Jordon Taylor |
| Eleanor Dunbar | Kyra Skinner |
| Lyle | Nick Petrelli |
| Travis | Marcell Dupree |
| Cop | Maya Moreau |
| Cowgirl | Allyson Peter |
| Betty Blast | Jordon Taylor |
| Principal Clark | Allyson Peter |
| Jeter | Jonathan Tuinstra |
| Bickle | Quinn Skelly |
| Garvin | Timmy Bradford |
| Cowboy Bob | Marcell Dupree |
| Cowboy Bob's Band | Sylvia Gravel, Maya Moreau |
| Ensemble | Timmy Bradford, Marcell Dupree, Sylvia Gravel, Maya Moreau, Allyson Peter, Nick Petrelli, Quinn Skelly, Kyra Skinner, Jordon Taylor, Jonathan Tuinstra |
| Dance Captain | Allyson Peter |
Creative Team
| Director | Kaitlyn Frotton |
| Music Director | Donna Schaffer |
| Choreographer | Jill Grundstrom |
| Scenic Designer | Lex van Blommestein |
| Lighting Designer | David Pierce |
| Assistant Lighting Designer | Marla Alden |
| Costume Designer | Joel Shinavier |
| Sound Designer | Dan Zini |
| Media Designers | Lex van Blommestein, Dan Zini |
| Properties Designer | Keli Crawford-Truckey |
| Production Stage Manager | Clair Kaminski |
| Technical Director | Braeden Ingersoll |
| Assistant Technical Director | Ethan Rickert |
Additional Artistic Staff
| Media Engineer | Dan Zini |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Sam Wardisiani |
| Assistant to the Sound Designer | Ryan Harvey |
| Integration Programmer | Dan Zini |
| Light Board Operator | Marla Alden |
| Spotlight Operator | Emily Iszler |
| Audio Operators | Ryan Harvey, Dan Zini |
| Media Playback Operator | Donna Schaffer |
| Fly Rail Operator | Ethan Rickert |
Forest Roberts Theatre Summer Staff
| Director of Theatre | Jill Grundstrom |
| Technical Director and Scene Shop Supervisor | Braeden Ingersoll |
| Properties Supervisor | Keli Crawford-Truckey |
| Scenic/Paint Supervisor | Lex van Blommestein |
| Master Carpenter | Ethan Rickert |
| Carpenters and Painters | Emily Iszler, Sam Wardisiani |
| Costume Shop Supervisor | Ann Juidici |
| Sound and Media Supervisor | Dan Zini |
| Master Electrician | Marla Alden |
| Electricians | Ryan Harvey, Erin Hope |
| Marketing/Box Office Manager | Lilith Kontos |
| Marketing/Box Office Staff | Erin Hope, Clair Kaminski, Sophie Sam |
Cast Bios
Brendan Sheehan (Ren McCormack) is immensely excited to be performing with North Coast Theatre Festival! Brendan is originally from New Jersey and is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee where he was recently seen performing in Fuddy Meers as Richard and the premiere of BoCo/Berklee's Tap Showcase! He will soon be seen as Mike Costa in A Chorus Line and is extremely grateful for his friends and family for always being so loving and supportive. Instagram - @b_sheehan1
Gavin Carnahan (Reverend Shaw Moore) is ecstatic to be spending his summer as a YOOPER with this lovely company! Gavin is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Other favorite performances include Dave Bukatinsky in The Full Monty, Bill Austin in Mamma Mia!, and Claude in HAIR . In his free time, Gavin enjoys bodybuilding, rapping/song writing, and barbershop quartet-ing! Follow his IG @gavincarnahan or visit his website gavinearlcarnahan.com!
Jimena Flores Sanchez (she/her) (Ariel Moore) is THRILLED to be a part of the North Coast Theatre Festival. She is originally from Ciudad Obregon, Mexico, and is a New York City-based performer. She recently performed in the brand new musical MAY WE ALL: A New Country Musical as Ruby and Dance Captain. Jimena has been a professional dancer with various elite ballet companies including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Memphis, Cincinnati Ballet, and Oklahoma City Ballet. She recently completed her third season with Ballet Memphis. Special thanks to CESD, her parents and sister, Dylan, and her cute dog, Ruby!
Jill Vermeulen (Vi Moore) will be a first-year kindergarten teacher at Graveraet Elementary School beginning this fall. In addition to her teaching certificate (‘22), Jill holds degrees in theatre and communication studies from Northern Michigan University (‘18 BS). Some of her favorite roles include Mamma Mia! (Tanya), The Addams Family (Morticia), Noises Off (Belinda), Proof (Claire), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), She Kills Monsters (Kaliope), and Chicago (Hunyak) at the Forest Roberts Theatre and The Producers (Ulla) at Lake Superior Theatre. Directorial highlights include Frozen, High School Musical, and Narnia for Superior Arts Youth Theater. Jill is looking forward to becoming Mrs. Hautamaki this August.
Nathan Petit (Willard Hewitt) is so excited to be a part of this awesome cast! They recently graduated with honors from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in Music Theatre and minors in dance and recreation/tourism. His recent collegiate performance credits include A Chorus Line (Mike) and Something Rotten (Nigel Bottom/Dance Captain/Assistant Choreographer). You can see Nathan again here at NCTF as Larry in A Chorus Line. Nathan would like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support. Check out Nathan’s latest original choreography at nathanpetit.com and on Instagram @nathanpetit7.
Emily Fitzpatrick (Ethel McCormack) is honored to be performing in Footloose after serving in a music director capacity at NMU Theatre and Dance for the past 12 years. She has spent her entire life in the Marquette area, graduating from NMU (BME ’09) and teaching elementary music in Negaunee since 2010. She also holds an MA in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. Favorite acting credits include: The Full Monty (Susan Hershey), Harvey (Myrtle Mae), Hello, Dolly! (Ermengarde), The Christmas Schooner (Alma Stossell), and Tell-Tale (Virginia Clemm Poe). She has also been seen recently in Lake Superior Theatre’s Stage and Screen Cabaret and NMU’s Spotlight Variety Show. She couldn't do this without the support of her husband, children, and parents!
Gabe Kohlbeck (Chuck Cranston) feels so blessed to call himself an honorary yooper this summer! Originally from Minnesota, he is now based in Chicago studying at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. His most recent theatre credits include La Cage aux Folles (Music Theater Works), Cinderella (Children’s Theatre Company Minneapolis) among more. Catch him next as Greg in A Chorus Line here with NCTF! Thank you to his wonderful family and friends. Instagram - @gabekohlbeck
Chloe Calhoun (Rusty) is delighted to be in the U.P. and be a member of the NCTF family this summer! Chloe is a rising third-year student at Rider University, where she is pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre. Most recently seen at Rider in Cabaret and Pippin (Ensemble Swing) and ISM: A Cabaret (Featured Soloist). Other favorite credits include: Anybodys in West Side Story (NC Theatre), Bring It On (NCT Conservatory), and Mamma Mia! (NC Theatre). Endless thanks to her beloved family, mentors, and peers.
Corinne Holland (Wendy Jo) is an NYC based performing artist with a love for traveling. She has traveled internationally with the tour of Legally Blonde the Musical and has performed in many regional theatres across the country, performing in shows such as Will Rogers Follies, A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, just to name a few. She received a BFA in Musical Theatre from East Carolina University and gives endless love and thanks to her Mom and Dad, Joe, AJ, and SD. It takes a village.
Maggie Medford (Urleen) is delighted to be making her debut with NCTF this summer and excited to work with such a talented cast and crew. Favorite credits include Oklahoma! (Laurey Williams) with Lake Travis Music Theatre, Wonder of the World (Cass Harris) at the University of Texas, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Featured Dancer/Dance Captain) with Summer Stock Austin. She has trained at Ballet Austin, Ballet Chicago, and Boston Ballet and is thrilled to continue dancing in musical theatre. Maggie is currently a New York City based performer but is originally from Austin, TX where she graduated with a dance performance degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Hookem! She would like to thank her parents for their continued love and support. Up next: Valerie Clark in North Coast Theatre Festival’s A Chorus Line. IG: @maggiemedford
Sylvia Gravel (Lulu Warnicker/Band/Ensemble) is incredibly excited to be a part of the North Coast Theatre and Dance Festival this summer! Sylvia is from Ypsilanti, Michigan, and will be a fourth year student at NMU this fall, where she is pursuing a degree in dance with a concentration in dance science and a minor in biology. Previously, she has performed in Elf the Musical (Ensemble), The Producers (Ensemble), and CO/LAB COLLECTIVE.
Jordon Taylor (Coach Dunbar/Betty Blast/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her North Coast Theatre Festival debut. She is from Davidson, North Carolina and is a recent graduate of Chicago College of Performing Arts, where she received a BFA in Musical Theatre Dance. Her credits include Ragtime, La Cage aux Folles, Hairspray, and many more.
Kyra Skinner (Eleanor Dunbar/Ensemble) comes to us from the EUP of Michigan. She just finished off her third year at NMU and is grateful and excited to be in Marquette for the summer working on her first summer stock season! Kyra is working towards two degrees, one in dance and the other in psychology with a developmental concentration. Some of Kyra’s roles with NMU include CO/LAB COLLECTIVE (Dance Ensemble), Elf the Musical (Ensemble), and The Wolves (#2). She is so happy that she has had the opportunity to work with and meet all the amazing and talented people in this cast, and she hopes that everyone enjoys the show... let’s cut footloose!
Nick Petrelli (Lyle/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on stage after a long hiatus due to the pandemic! He is originally from Elgin, Illinois, studied musical theatre at Western Michigan University, and is now based in NYC. Some of his favorite previous performance opportunities include singing aboard the Aida Stella (Aida Cruises), touring with PJ Masks, Live! (Round Room), and playing Dickon in The Secret Garden (Theatre Raleigh). Nick is extremely grateful to have the support of his family, friends, and boyfriend, Alex. nickpetrelli.com
Marcell Dupree (Travis/Cowboy Bob/Ensemble) is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania where he received his bachelor’s degree in musical theatre accompanied by a minor in dance. He is thrilled to be making his North Coast Theatre Festival debut with Footloose! Some of Marcell’s favorite previous roles include Basilius in Head Over Heels, Oberon in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, George in Godspell, Jackson Moore in Lydia Diamond’s Smart People, Eddie in Mamma Mia!, and Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls. In addition to performing, Marcell has also choreographed, directed, stage managed, and assisted with lighting design for a myriad of shows.
Maya Moreau (Cop/Band/Ensemble) is a rising sophomore BFA Musical Theatre student here at Northern Michigan University. She has appeared in various shows at NMU within her first year, including Above the Timberline (Captain Lathom), Elf the Musical (Mrs. Greenway), The Wolves (#14), and The Producers (Ensemble), and appeared earlier this summer in A Complicated Hope (Rose Marie) with NCTF. She was also recently elected to the Student Advisory Board for the Department of Theatre and Dance. In Maya's free time, she is diligently working to start a Metaphysical Company.
Allyson Peter (Dance Captain/Cowgirl/Principal Clark/Ensemble) is ecstatic to be taking the stage this season in North Coast Theatre Festival! She is a New York City based performer originally from the greater Philadelphia area. Favorite credits include: The Will Rogers Follies (Will’s Sister), South Pacific (Connie Walewska), and Truth at Ailey Citigroup Theatre. Marymount Manhattan College alum. When not performing, she enjoys teaching and choreographing at dance studios throughout the NYC area. Shout out to her friends, family, and mentors for their support. Up next: Maggie Winslow in NCTF’s A Chorus Line. Follow her on Instagram @allyson_peter or at allysonpeter.com.
Jonathan Tuinstra (Jeter/Ensemble) hails from Sparta, Michigan and recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in musical theatre. His favorite theatre credits from WMU include Urinetown (Mr. McQueen), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip), and Head Over Heels (Dance Ensemble). He is very excited to be a part of Footloose with such a talented cast!
Timmy Bradford (Garvin/Ensemble) is a recent graduate from Rider University's BFA Musical Theatre program. He has recently been seen in Footloose (Travis) at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse and Pete (HER) Pan (Michael Darling), Pippin (Ensemble), and Hair (Tribe) at Rider. He will next be seen as Mark Anthony in A Chorus Line here with North Coast Theatre Festival. After he is done yooping around, he will be making the big move to NYC! Instagram - @timm.y #yooper
Creative Team Bios
Kaitlyn Frotton (Director) is thrilled to be making her North Coast Theatre Festival debut! Directing/teaching credits include: Tunnel Theatre Co. in NYC (featured Tony Award winner Alice Ripley and Lucille Lortel Award winner Michael Luwoye), Boden's Performing Arts College in London, UK (Classical Acting Teacher), William T. Sherman School in NYC (Director/Choreographer), Red Mountain Theatre Company's Advanced Acting Program in Birmingham, AL (Acting Teacher), and McCarter Theatre’s Young Actor’s Studio in Princeton, NJ (Movement Coach). A proud member of the Actor's Equity Association, Kaitlyn has performed in NYC, London, Edinburgh, Seychelles, Manila, and Las Vegas. She holds a B.M. in Musical Theatre from Rider University and an M.A. in Classical Acting from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Donna Schaffer (Music Director) is currently serving as the Choir Director at Ishpeming Public Schools and Assistant Professor of Voice at Northern Michigan University. Prior to this appointment, she served as Director of Choral Activities at Allen University in Columbia, SC, Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Instructor at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS, a lecturer in voice at the University of Connecticut, and Music Director for the Shreveport Opera, among other positions. Ms. Schaffer holds fast to the simple teaching philosophy of Nelson Mandela. This proverb states, “Each one teach one.” Donna holds a Bachelor's of Music from the University of Michigan, a Master's of Music from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at USC under the tutelage of Dr. Larry Wyatt.
Jill Grundstrom (Choreographer) has a B.S. from NMU in Secondary Education with majors in English and French, a M.A. in Dance Education from New York University, and an Ed.S. from NMU in Educational Leadership. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Dance Education with a concentration in Movement Science at Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as assisting with new Character Dance and Partnering curricula for American Ballet Theatre (America’s National Ballet Company®) in New York City. She is certified in the Luigi Jazz Technique, American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum, is a Certified FLX Conditioning Specialist, and a Hamrick Method Master Trainer. Jill has choreographed over 30 full-length musical and dance productions in New York City, Los Angeles, Italy, and here in the Upper Peninsula, including a full-length, original ballet, East of the Sun, West of the Moon (NMU). She also choreographed an independent feature-length film, Our State Fair. She has previously worked with Superior Arts Youth Theatre, the National Dance Education Organization, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance.
Lex van Blommestein (Scenic Designer) is a theatre designer based out of Marquette, MI. While he currently teaches at Northern, he also maintains a prolific national and international design career. Lex earned his MFA from Wayne State University's Hilberry Repertory Program in Detroit, and has lived, designed, and taught in Edwardsville, IL; St. Louis, MO; Cincinatti, OH; Raleigh, NC; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Detroit, MI; Lansing, MI; Windsor, ON; and Amsterdam, NL, to name a few. In addition to his love for scenic design, he enjoys using design to explore audience reaction, interaction, and emotion, and to create experiences involving virtual reality and augmented reality as well as immersive design.
David Pierce (Lighting Designer) is a lighting designer and educator based out of Marquette, MI. Previous design credits include The Producers, Above the Timberline, Mamma Mia!, Sweeney Todd, What We Leave Behind, Into the Woods, Building Madness, and Tarzan. He has also partnered with UP Home Health and Hospice as Lighting Designer for Dancing with Our Stars as well as worked as Production Manager for the Adirondack Theater Festival in Glens Falls, NY. David is also an Associate Professor and Production Manager for the Department of Theatre and Dance at NMU and teaches courses in stage electrics, lighting design, and stage management.
Joel Shinavier (Costume Designer) is a recent graduate of Northern Michigan University’s theatre program. While at school, he designed multiple productions, including The Producers, Elf the Musical, an/one's ivory tower, and Significant Other. Additionally, he worked all four years of undergrad in the FRT costume shop and served as Assistant Manager his senior year. He has also spent three summers with Mason Street Warehouse Theater at Saugatuck Center for the Arts downstate.
Keli Crawford-Truckey (Properties Designer) serves as a teacher, director, and properties master at NMU. Recent FRT directing credits include The Wolves, Above the Timberline, The Full Monty, Proof, Sweeney Todd, Bears, Doubt, Harvey, and Into the Woods. She has worked as a stage manager/staff member on the Broadway and national touring companies of Les Miserables, and on off-Broadway productions including And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little at the Producers Club and Cloud Nine at the Bank Street Theatre in NYC. Keli holds a degree in Directing and Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Dan Zini (Sound Designer) is an award-winning designer and engineer in both live and broadcast sound and media with over a decade of professional experience. He also works as a composer, studio engineer, musician, and programmer, holding many internationally recognized certifications. Dan’s client list is extensive and includes Andy Grammar, Keith Secola, Samantha Fish, Carlos Nunez, Alash, Sandra Joseph, Joshua Davis, LDI Las Vegas, Hershey Entertainment, and various theatre companies, serving on over 100 productions including The Wizard of Oz, Les Miserables, and Mary Poppins. At NMU’s School of Music Theatre and Dance, as well as the Department of Media Studies, Dan currently serves as an instructor in sound and media as well as the sound and media supervisor and engineer.
Clair Kaminski (Production Stage Manager) is a recent graduate of NMU Theatre and Dance’s BFA Theatre Technology and Design program. While attending NMU, she participated in several productions, including Significant Other (PSM), Romeo and Juliet (Co-Costume Designer), Above the Timberline (PSM), The Wolves (Costume Designer), and The Producers (PSM), just to name a few. Clair is so grateful to be able to spend another summer in Marquette and in the Forest Roberts Theatre, especially working on such a fun show. She’d like to thank her family and friends for helping her through college and into the next step of her life.
Braeden Ingersoll (Technical Director) is from Des Moines, IA and recently received his MFA in Technical Production from Florida State University where he strove to advance his knowledge in the industry and as an educator. Prior professional credits include Technical Director for Des Moines Metro Opera & Theatre Aspen and Assistant Technical Director for Creede Repertory Theatre. Braeden is also an active member of the United States' Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) having served as President for a Graduate Student Chapter & earning the Director's Choice Award for the USITT/ASTC (American Society of Theatre Consultants) Renovation Challenge in 2019.
Sam Wardisiani (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior BFA Theatre Technology and Design student with a concentration in props and scenic painting. She recently worked as a stage manager for Elf the Musical and the assistant properties designer for The Producers, and she works in the scene shop during the school year. She hopes you enjoy Footloose!