Step Into the Spotlight: “Footloose” Dances Onto Meadow Brook Theatre Stage from January 8 to February 2, 2025!

Meadow Brook Theatre, the largest producing professional theatre in Michigan, has occupied the Oakland University campus since its inception in 1966. Under the guidance of Woody Varner and Don O’Dowd, groundbreaking efforts began to realize Matilda Wilson’s dream of hosting a professional theatre on campus.

This year marks the beginning of a new chapter as Meadow Brook presents its 58th season and strengthens its connection with Oakland University. Meadow Brook Theatre, in partnership with the Cabinet of Oakland University, has initiated a collaboration between the School of Music Theatre and Dance (OUSMTD) at Oakland University and Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT).

This partnership offers OUSMTD students the chance to collaborate with professional directors, choreographers, musicians, designers, and Actors’ Equity Association members at MBT during one of the shows in MBT’s season. Consequently, students can enhance their resume with a professional credit while still in school. This opportunity will not only provide insight into the workings of a professional theater but will also give them an edge as they enter the competitive realm of professional theatre.

Footloose — a hit musical inspired by the 1984 film featuring Kevin Bacon — represents the first production born from this collaboration. The show runs from January 8 to February 2, 2025, at Meadow Brook Theatre located on Oakland University’s campus in Rochester.

Adapted from Dean Pitchford’s original screenplay, this stage version by Pitchford and Walter Bobbie includes music from the Oscar-nominated score by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman, in addition to energetic new songs by Pitchford and Tom Snow.

“We’re delighted to offer students from OU’s MTD the opportunity to collaborate with our professionals on this project,” stated Travis Walter, the artistic director of MBT and an alumnus of Oakland University (CAS ’02). “Our audiences are going to be thrilled with the vitality they’ll bring.

“Collaborating with director Tyrick Wiltez Jones, whose Broadway experience includes Hairspray and Finian’s Rainbow, presents students with a chance to witness a professional director’s approach and connect with someone actively engaged in the New York theatre community,” added Walter.

Jones is eager to participate in the collaboration as well.

“I’m thrilled to have the chance to introduce OUSMTD students to the professional theatre world,” noted Jones. “I’m confident it will benefit all artists involved.”

Artwork by Chet Johnson

Footloose narrates the tale of Ren McCormack, a teenager from Chicago, who relocates with his mother to the quaint town of Bomont, where dancing has been prohibited. McCormack’s passion for dance soon catches the attention of the local preacher (Shaw), who advocated for the ban, as well as the affections of the rebellious daughter of the reverend (Ariel), who becomes interested in McCormack as he urges the community to lift the ban and heal from the tragedy that has hindered their ability to dance.

“Footloose is a narrative that many believe revolves around dance, but fundamentally, it’s about loss and reconciliation,” said Jones.

The cast features members from the Actors’ Equity Association, including: Caleb Berméjo (Ren McCormack), Nadia Ra’Shaun (Ariel Moore), and Ron Williams (Rev. Shaw Moore), alongside Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin (Vi Moore), Tauren Hagans (Ethel McCormack), Domanick Anton Hubbard (Cowboy Bob/Lyle), Cody Jenkins (Chuck Cranston), Ethan Langan (Willard Hewitt), Richard Marlatt (Wes Warnicker/Principal Clark), Laura Renee Mehl (Rusty), Caroline Moulios (Ensemble), and Stacy White (LuLu Warnicker/Betty Blast) as well as MBT acting intern Jessica Boehmer.

The cast will also see participation from 13 students from Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, including: Rileigh Bautel (Urleen), Wyatt Cleaveland (Garvin), Isabelli Buendia (Wendy Jo), Faith Green (Cop), Yeshua Hardy (Jeter), Cali Eugene Hill (Ensemble), Alexander Hernandez (Bickle), Aaron Jackson (Travis), Naomi Jarvis (Swing), Caleb Korneisel (Ensemble), Deagan Krohn (Coach Dunbar), Alden Tewsley (Swing), and Calleigh Wilson (Ensemble).

The OU students who auditioned and were selected by the New York-based creative team comprising Jones, music director Alex Parrish, and choreographer Kristen Brooks Sandler, are embracing this collaborative effort.

“It’s been an incredible chance for us to collaborate with individuals who have extensive experience in this industry,” expressed Hardy, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in musical theatre. “Typically, we work with directors who double as our professors and designers connected to the OUSMTD program, but in this instance, we’re collaborating with industry professionals. Thus, it’s been an excellent opportunity to learn from them and establish connections.”

Bautel shared similar feelings.

“This opportunity has been tremendously enjoyable, and I’m truly grateful for the chance to collaborate with some of the more seasoned performers at Meadow Brook Theatre,” she mentioned.

The OUSMTD students are also appreciating their collegiate peers who are involved in the experience alongside them.

“Having our fellow peers with us during this process has been incredibly beneficial,” Bautel noted. “It’s been remarkable.”

The professional design team for Footloose has also included student assistants from OUSMTD who have been shadowing them to learn about the process of crafting designs in a professional environment.

Scenic Designer and Properties Director Kristen Gribbin mentored student assistants Ash Ritter and Trish Brown. Costume Designer Karen Kangas-Preston collaborated with student assistant Bex Papazian. Additional production staff involved with the show include Choreographer and Intimacy Director Kristen Brooks Sandler, Music Director Alex Parrish, Lighting Designer Eric Van Tassell, Sound Designer Kate Wecker, Stage Manager Brittanie Nichole Sicker, and Assistant Stage Manager Lee Cleaveland.

The OUSMTD students will be joined by a band of professional musicians. Besides leading the band, Parrish plays keyboard, partnering with Alissa Hetzner on the second keyboard. The ensemble also features Ian McEwen (reed), Edward Birch or Gordon Krupsky (drums), Andrew Toering (guitar 1), Brad Linden (guitar 2), and Greg Platter (bass).

While Footloose is the inaugural official collaboration between MBT and OUSMTD, the relationship between these two institutions has long been mutually advantageous over the years.

In addition to Walter being an alumnus of OU, three other full-time staff members are also graduates: Elizabeth Schoen (Reckinger), director of Development and Marketing (CAS ’95); LisaMarie Gabriele (Kaleita), Group Sales Manager (CAS ’85); and Melissa Gabriele, Box Office Attendant (CAS ’21).

Numerous current Oakland University students and alumni are also employed

on a part-time schedule at MBT, comprising: Izzy Krzewski, Annabel Pulman, Alexa Huss, Abby Gora, Raquel Pena-Aguilera, Julia Schoen, Anja Boelter, Anaelle Thibault, Kaleigh Crechiolo, Annie Eloise Findlay, Jacob Gonzales, Paul Butterfield, Lynx Mallett, Brady Jacot (former student), Lizzie Richards, Antonio Vettraino (former student), and Daniel Frost.

Ticket prices vary from $39 to $48 and can be acquired at MBT’s box office by calling 248-377-3300 or visiting in person at 207 Wilson Hall. Discounts for alumni, faculty, and students are available at the box office, or tickets can also be bought online at ticketmaster.com (discounts will not be applicable). Footloose is recommended for audience members in middle school and older.

Footloose is made feasible through the gracious support of the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit cultural establishment that has been serving southeastern Michigan for over 55 years. For more details, please visit www.mbtheatre.com or contact 248-377-3300.

‘Footloose’ Show Schedule

• Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m.

• Sunday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.

• Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m.