Cross Community Players Puts on ‘Footloose’ at Maple Grove’s Town Green
Performers from Cross Community Players in Maple Grove have some big, shall we say, dancing shoes to fill, as they put on their rendition of Footloose.
But they say they are ready.
“We were born for this,” said performer Ariel Crabtree. “We have a great team of music directors. The band is great. Our director is great. Choreography is great. Everything is great.”
The outdoor performances begin Friday, June 16 and will be held at the Town Green amphitheater in Maple Grove.
The show features big singing numbers and choreographed showstoppers.
“I think that they’ll be moving and grooving in the audience along with us,” said performer Margaret Reid, who plays the preacher’s wife, Vi Moore.
Performers take center stage in “Footloose” at Maple Grove’s Town Green amphitheater.
Cast and crew hope to do justice to the beloved musical, while putting their own spin on it.
“I know the directors love to say it, ‘It’s all about putting the puzzle together. And no one is going to put the puzzle together the same way,'” said performer Connor Amundsen. “You can see Footloose a thousand different times and see a thousand different Footloose shows, and so piecing it all together with the nuances we have as a cast, has been super fun.”
Footloose tells the story of a teenager moving from a city to a small farming community where rock music and dancing have been banned.
It doesn’t take him long to stir things up.
“Throughout the show there’s a real division between the young folks and the older folks in the town. But as we work through our issues, we become closer and really realize that we can bring out the best in each other,” said actor Jim Hebeisen, who plays the town’s preacher.
Performers take part in a choregraphed performance during rehearsals for “Footloose.”
The message of forgiveness is something actors hope hits home.
“The show’s really about dealing with forgiveness, and dealing with trauma, and we took that opportunity to look at these individual characters and explore that,” said stage director Jeff Anderson.
A nonperishable food and school supplies collection will be taken at performances. Shoes and clothing can also be donated.
For tickets and times, go to Cross Community Players.
Patrons are encouraged to bring insect repellent and and their own blanket or chair.
