Cut loose: ‘Footloose’ takes the stage

Cut+loose%3A+Footloose+takes+the+stage

Lina Wang and Alison Pfaff

On April 21, 22, and 23, Central brought the classic musical “Footloose” to its very own stage.

“Footloose” follows Ren McCormack, played by sophomore Luke Laboe, who moves from Chicago to a tiny city called Bomont. Ren loves to dance, but Reverend Moore, played by junior Lars Johnson, has outlawed dancing. Ren’s plight is not helped by the fact that he falls in love with the reverend’s daughter, Ariel, played by junior Emily Ware.

Junior Jordan Gowgiel plays Willard, Ren’s best friend. Gowgiel landed a lead role with no prior experience in musicals.

“My friends have been trying to get me to try out [for a musical] for years, and I finally did it. I even got a lead… I’ve been loving every minute of it.” Gowgiel said.

Senior Maria Kalantzis, who plays the reverend’s wife, echoes Gowgiel’s sentiments.

“I’ve absolutely loved being a part of [“Footloose”], it’s just been so much fun… it’s also a lot of work, but it’s all worth it, we’re like a family” Kalantzis said.

Gowgiel reflects on his favorite part of being a part of the cast of “Footloose”

“The best part about [being in the musical] is the amount of talent, hands down. Every day I’m blown away by the talent [the cast] has. And Mr. Doman, who directs the play, puts his own flair to it,” Gowgiel said.

Photo credit: Alison Pfaff