Lose Your Blues, Everybody Cut Footloose!

Owasso High School drama department presents “Footloose” February 13 and 14.

Carolyn Bettridge (Rusty), Gus Pennington (Willard), Riley Harper (Reverend), Mason Hurd (Ren), Emily Wall (Ariel), Peri Hickman (Urleen), Jessie Walters (Girl 3), Miranda Craig (Wendy Jo), and Mason Wiese (Chuck) take the stage in “Footloose” at Owasso High School, February 13-14.

This Valentine’s Day weekend, make plans for date night with your sweetheart when Owasso High School presents “Footloose” February 13 and 14. The show may bring back fond memories as the students sing and dance to those familiar tunes. And if you’ve never seen the movie, don’t worry. The story might have originated before “Glee,” but the romance, friendships, and heroes are timeless.

Did you know that “Footloose” has a history rooted right here in Oklahoma? In case you didn’t know, “Footloose” is loosely based on a story that began with a prom outside the rural town of Elmore, Oklahoma.

In fact, 2015 marks the 35th anniversary of the prom for students from Elmore City High School. Some members from the town’s council will attend a performance of the show. The performance might even inspire you to attend the Footloose Festival on April 25 in Elmore.
Sixty-five students from OHS are in the show. Matt Roberts, the principal, is actually going to play the principal on stage.

“People should come to our show because it’s an engaging story about teenagers fighting against a system, a daughter and father learning to forgive each other and move on from death, and standing up for your beliefs, no matter the cost – all set to great music favorites that the audience will sing along with,” said Melodie Graham, OHS drama teacher. “I love working with my cast. They are fun, and all of them bring so many skills and talents to the show. It’s like making a big pot of soup where all the ingredients are really necessary and complement each other well.”

Many of the students have drama experience from shows at OHS, Theatre Tulsa, and Owasso Community Theater. Kelly Larson, junior, is the understudy for Rusty. “Having an older sister, I was exposed to the high school drama department early on,” said Larson. “I audition so I can continue to gain experience and make wonderful memories and friends.”
Carolyn Bettridge, senior, will play Rusty. “We have a live band this year instead of a CD, which takes the show to the next level.”

Miranda Craig, junior, will play Wendy Joe in her 7th production at OHS. “I tried out because I love musical theatre and grew up watching “Footloose.” Each night the audience’s response will be a little different. It’s very exciting,” said Craig.

Evening shows are February 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on February 14 at 2 p.m. The show will be held at the Mary Glass Performing Arts Center inside Owasso High School, located at 12901 E. 86th St. N. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, military members, and seniors. Children ages 4 and younger are free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Mary Glass Performing Arts Center office Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. To purchase by phone, contact Lauren Duncan, PAC manager at (918) 274-3420. Tickets will also be for sale one hour before each performance. Checks or cash only, please.

For more information, contact

Mary Glass Performing Arts Center

(918) 274-3420