Photo Flash: JPAS Presents FOOTLOOSE

Directed and Choreographed by FrAnnie Rosenberg and Musically Directed by Natalie True, FOOTLOOSE is on stage January 29, 30 and February 5, 6 at 7:30PM and January 31 and February 7 at 2PM at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox Street in Metairie.

Discounted JPAS Arts Adventure Series Student Matinees of FOOTLOOSE will be held at 9:45AM, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday February 2, 3, and 4. Student Admission is $5 per student with one chaperone admitted free for every 10 paid students. FREE Coordinating lesson plans and study guides are available for all Arts Adventure Series performances at www.jpas.org. Call 504-885-2000 ext. 206 or email donna@jpas.org to book your school group today! For more Arts Adventure Series Performances, visit www.jpas.org.

One of the most electrifying movie musicals bursts onto the JPAS stage with exhilarating results! Life in small town Bomont is peaceful until big City boy Ren arrives. Breaking every taboo, Ren brings dance back into the heart of a town held back by the memory of a tragedy. To the rockin' rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated score with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, FOOTLOOSE explodes onto the stage with classic 80's anthems like "Holding Out for a Hero," "Almost Paradise," "Let's Hear it for the Boy" and, of course "Footloose!"

Starring as the rebellious and free-spirited Ren McCormack is P. J. McKinnie. A versatile and talented dancer/actor/singer, P. J. is no stranger to the New Orleans theatre community. He has been seen on many stages throughout the city including Le Petit, Rivertown and Southern Rep. Recently he received acclaim for his role as the hip-hop heart-throb Luke. Angela Papale stars as Ariel Moore, Ren's love interest and daughter of the tyrannical Reverend Moore who has forbade dancing in Bomont until now. Papale also makes her JPAS debut in this production. A Big Easy Award winning actress, she most recently appeared as Logainne in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at LePetit.

David Jacobs stars as Reverend Moore, Ariel's father and strict town leader with a lesson to learn. Jacobs was last seen as Charlie in the regional premier of the comedy hit VIAGARA FALLS with JPAS. FOOTLOOSE also stars JPAS theatre veteran Scott Sauber as Willard, Ren's awkward best friend who really learns how to cut FOOTLOOSE! Sauber recently revived his show-stopping role as Lumiere in JPAS' production of DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

This production also features Jeffrey Springmann as Chuck Cranston, Abbey Peterson as Rusty, Micah Desonier as Urleen, Justine Andersen as Wendy Jo, Dwayne Sepsich as Cowboy Bob, Austine Alleman as Travis, Heather Leonard as Elenore, Valerie St. Amant as Vi Moore, Tammy Hathaway as Lulu Warnicker, Richard St. Amant as Wes Warnicker, Earl Scioneaux as Coach Roger Dunbar, Linda Brasset as Betty Blast, Jimmy Demontulizin as Principal Clark, Price Provenzano as Bickle, Dylan Troost as Garvin, with Rachel Naquin, Sally-Rose Cragin, Hannah St. Amant, Caroline Langlois, Kallie English, Katie DelGiomo Bellerino, Ashley Monaghan, Bridget Miller, Jessica Harrison, Michael Banko and Kevin Marshall.

FOOTLOOSE Rocks with Green Ideas!
Audiences are certain to be entertained by this high-energy musical, however they might not realize the set, costumes and props specifically chosen for this production were built and created with sustainability in mind. Under the Scenic design and technical direction of Kyle Crose, the JPAS creative team of FOOTLOOSE strove to construct the set with all salvaged and recycled construction materials. "JPAS worked with Strike It Green (an organization that recycles film props and set pieces) on some other productions this season. We felt because FOOTLOOSE focused on the youth element, this was the perfect production to bring some youthful ideas on greening to the forefront of the set design," said Crose. Working again with Strike it Green and The Green Project, Crose says that about 80% of the set is built with all salvaged or recycled materials with no hazardous materials in the construction, painting and decorating of the set.

"The lumber we did buy new was bought from the Green Project and treated so we can definitely re-use that part of the set along with the rest of the already recycled set for future JPAS productions," said Crose.

In addition to set construction, costume designer Shauna Leone strove to outfit the cast in awesome 80's attire using recycled and second-hand clothing. "Luckily, the time period in which this show is set lends itself to some great thrift store opportunities!" said Leone. The majority of her costumes were pulled from the JPAS costume stock or bought second-hand. JPAS is proud to produce quality entertainment with also an eye on its environmental impact all season long.

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society's production of FOOTLOOSE The Musical Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford, Music by Tom Snow, Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman. Presented by At&T, Entergy and Textron Marine and Land Systems, FOOTLOOSE is directed and choreographed by FrAnnie Rosenberg and musically directed by Natalie True. Scenic Design and technical direction by Kyle Crose. Lighting design by Diane K. Baas. Sound by Sal Michon. Costumes by Shauna Leone. Stage Manager and props: Brian Schrader. Assistant Stage Manger/Props: Sarah Gudan. Master Carpenter/scenic painter: Elizabeth Broomall. Carpenter/Stage Technician: William Spratt.

Tickets are $15 for children (12 and under), $20 for students (with valid ID), $25-30 for seniors (65+)/military and $30-35 for adults. Group Discounts for 10+ available! For tickets call 504.885.2000 or visit www.jpas.org to reserve your tickets today! Starring P. J. McKinne, Angela Paple, David Jacobs and Scott Sauber.