Footloose at Magenta Theater

Metropolitan Performing Arts presents Footloose the Musical at the Magenta Theater, running May 8 through 24, 2026. This musical about community and perception features an Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score along with new songs, and explores themes of grief, control, and the need to be understood between young people and the adults in their lives. The production is directed by Shanae Tullis, with musical direction by Melissa Sondergeld Hood and choreography by Shannon Jung. The cast of 31 actors from the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas includes teens from MPA's Mainstage performance program, which prepares actors aged 13 through 18 for Broadway-style productions.

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.