ZEPHYRHILLS HIGH SCHOOL - Footloose Brings Student Theater Back
By Susan Slater
Along awaited opportunity became a reality. Dr. Leslie Bell recently brought theater back to ZHS. The students performed Footloose, giving them a long-awaited platform to showcase their talents. Dr. Bell has her doctrine in music from Florida State, learning the basics of performance to enhance her music, participating in theater in high school. “I liked learning, the whole educational process of it,” said Dr. Bell. “I really enjoyed teaching theater.”
The musical Footloose was selected because it is widely recognized, has broad appeal across generations and line dancing is popular today. The goal was to create an event that students would enjoy performing and that families and community members support. Footloose follows Ren McCormack as he moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont, where music and dancing have been banned. As Ren falls for Ariel, he also pushes the community to reconsider the ban and ultimately brings dancing back to the town.
The musical was performed over two evenings, with selected roles played by different students each night. This accommodated seniors who wanted to attend Grad Bash. While students rehearsed on stage at ZHS gym, the final performances took place in Wesley Chapel Performing Arts Center at Wesley Chapel High School. Students were excited to perform there because of the professional sound system, lighting, and available dressing rooms.
Community efforts came from Pasco Turf and Tractor donating pallets to help build sets. Regina Granger lent a pulpit and gavel. Michael Johnson, Visions of a Dreamer, supported the cast with choreography techniques and lent the pews. The Cinderella Project helped with formal wear through its consignment store. Students created costuming using items from their own closets, taking pride in creating comfortable, personalized looks. Sergeant Flores (USMC recruiter) recruited strong young men to move sets quickly between scenes. Their speed and coordination helped maintain the flow of the performance.
Dr. Bell described the show as a new learning experience for students and praised their willingness to grow their talents. She emphasized how meaningful it was to bring theater back to the high school and expressed hope that students would continue pursuing theater to create a lasting home for local performances.
Student contributions extended beyond the stage. Kelsey Penney, who played Vi described herself as a self-taught artist and with Izabelle Reber also Vi, created the digital backgrounds used during the show. Vi—wife of Reverend Shaw Moore and mother of Ariel—is portrayed as a supportive character, which Penney said, “I strongly relate to Vi through my own caring, motherly nature.”
Cayden Davis, who played Ren McCormack on Friday night, viewed Ren as a dedicated leader. Ren challenges the town’s ban after losing teens in a car accident connected to drinking and dancing. Davis said, “I felt a personal connection to Ren’s spirit and determination in his role.” Sapphire Gruber, who played Ariel on Friday night described Ariel as sassy, fun, and sometimes angry. Gruber embraced Ariel’s bold personality in her performance. She said, “I felt sad for the strained father-daughter relationship and Ariel’s desire to regain closeness.”
Sara Hetzeil, a sophomore at Kirkland High School, joined the production. She played Rusty, Ariel’s best friend, known for being quirky and awkward in an endearing way. “Rusty is consistently supportive of those around her—and she truly loves life.” Hetzeil’s soft, but powerful vocals were endearing. The blend of the 1984 and 2011 versions of Footloose and with the sporadic performance of Somebody Eyes was incredibly creative.
Dr. Bell’s interpretations of the musical created an exciting platform to showcase the talents of dance and singing the students are so capable of. There is a need for local arts in this community and the outpouring of volunteering and collaboration with the communities, families, friends and students cries for more. Stay tuned for a Murder Mystery Night in October! ♥
