By Bruce Burdett

Westport High School’s Drama Club wakens from its long sleep in a big way this week as the revitalized troupe stages the musical ‘Footloose.’

It’s a “full, fun musical” and a giant step for a theater program that had been dormant for three years before last year’s tentative return, says Director Matt Shrivers.

The comeback began last winter. With only a dozen students, “We cobbled together a sort of musical and acting review … It was successful at what it was intended to do, but if theater in Westport was going to be a viable choice for students again, what we accomplished needed to be pushed much further.”

They needed a production that would make a statement “that we were taking theater seriously,” the new director said.

Drama Club members brainstormed ideas and chose “Footloose.”

“‘Footloose’ was the best fit I could think of. It is “fun, high energy music that’s not out of date, large dancing scenes, and a funny and relatable plot. especially for students of Westport, the kind of small rural town that Footloose is set in.”

Mr. Shrivers credits student Emma Young along with the school’s vice principal, student activities director and others for helping spur interest in the return of theater to the school — most of all the brave and talented dozen who turned out last year.

Numbers remained a challenge.

“Last year we would not have been able to put on a full musical,” but the hope was that more students would be lured to the stage when they saw the program was serious once more.

“While we did have an increase in high school participation, one of our saving graces was the merging of the middle school student body into the high school.”

“We’ve been fortunate to find so many talented performers to fill the roles we needed. Beyond that, students have constantly stepped up to fill in roles and demonstrate their commitment.”

Ms. Young, in particular,” is a capable student director ... She’s taught fellow students musically, co-wrote a grant that helped fund the show, and helped with production design all while being the main lead of the show.”

He also pointed to Olivia Corey, “a student choreographer — designing or perfecting a significant amount of the dancing in a show known for its dancing is a daunting task, one she’s lived up to admirably. Others from that first show have emerged as leaders, encouraging and welcoming the junior high newcomers.

Music director is Samuel Costa, sets were built by Marcus and Barry Cusick, choreography is by Pat Medeiros.

“I’d say that the theater initiative at Westport isn’t quite back to full strength — there is work to do still to make it something that members of the community support and look forward to every year, but I believe this year is a strong first step on this path. “

Footloose and cast

Footloose tells the story of a young man named Ren (played by Emma Young) who moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont. He learns that dancing is illegal within the town limits and begins a campaign to allow the children of Bomont to experience the joy of dancing by changing that law. It’s full of drama, humor, and life experiences that everyone could enjoy.”

Other cast members include:

• Rachel Letendre plays Ethel McCormack, a newly single mother who has moved in with her sister and brother-in-law, who don’t always see eye to eye with her opinions.

• Emily Simonin plays Ariel Moore, a preacher’s daughter with a thing for bad boys.

• Ari Trahan plays Reverend Shaw Moore, the town’s preacher, Ariel’s father, and a force to be reckoned with in town.

• Diana Reno plays Vi Moore, Ariel’s mother and Shaw’s wife.

• Sarah Duarte plays Rusty, Ariel’s energetic best friend.

• Bailey Wilkinson and Ryley Ustanovich play friends Urleen and Wendy Jo.

• Tyler Page plays Willard Hewett, a drawling cowboy and Ren’s friend.

• Tayla Page, Emily McMahon and Kathryn Reno play Bickle, Jeter and Garvin.

• Madi Carey plays Chuck, Ariel’s bad boy boyfriend.

• Eve Corey and Jenna Moniz play Lyle and Travis, Chuck’s friends

• Hanna August and Gavin Rodrigues play Ren’s Aunt Lulu and Uncle Wes.

• Sarah Machado and Jacob Farias play the leader of the town council and her gym teacher husband.

• Meagan Dobyna plays Betty Blast, owner of the local diner.

• Cameron Perrault plays Cowboy Bob, a band leader

• Faith Duarte plays the Bomont police officer

• Olivia Corey was the student choreographer among other roles.

• The ensemble includes Allison Manchester, Jenna Lepage, Marisa Melo, Andrea Vachon, Alex Therrien, Nicole Therrien, Hannah Morrissette, and Ava Matos.

Additional support comes from the Westport Music Boosters and The Westport Education Foundation.

Show times

Footloose will take place in the auditorium at Westport High School on Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19 at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and free for children age 5 yand younger. They can be purchased at the door before any of the performances.