Dean Pitchford Meets Cast of San Diego Musical Theatre's FOOTLOOSE, Opening 9/29

The SDMT "FOOTLOOSE" cast was honored to meet with Dean Pitchford, Writer of the Original Screenplay and Lyricist, to hear a number of wonderful stories about the making of the 1984 movie, the stage production and the 2011 remake of the movie. 

The cast eagerly asked questions about their roles in the SDMT production of "FOOTLOOSE"" which will play one preview at the Birch North Park Theatre on September 28 with an official opening on September 29 and continuing through October 14. Mr. Pitchford gave invaluable insights. It is rare for a cast to be able to discuss the material firsthand with the writer of the show. It was such a gift for The cast and they were truly grateful for the time he shared with them.

One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. This heartfelt story is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin' rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million copies!) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, FOOTLOOSE celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind. FOOTLOOSE received 4 Broadway Tony nominations for Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Performance by a Leading Actress.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Robert Marra (Director/Choreographer) A performer, choreographer and director Robert has worked from New York to California in many theatres across the country including: Reprise!, Musical Theatre West, The Actor's Co-Op, Theatre League, Glendale Centre Theatre, The Hollywood Bowl, The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. Favorite shows include: A Chorus Line which Robert directed for San Diego Musical Theatre, Chess, Oklahoma!, Joseph...Dreamcoat, Bye Bye Birdie, Grease and West Side Story.

Don LeMaster (Music Director) An award-winning Music Director, Don has been the resident music director/conductor for San Diego Musical Theatre since it's inception in 2006. Don has MD'd at many theaters including: Performance Riverside, Moonlight, Cygnet, Starlight, South Bay Cities, North Coast Rep, McCoy Rigby and the Old Globe Theatre.

Mike Buckley – Set Design, Thomas Simitzes - Lighting Design, Delnora Janecek - Properties Co-Ordinator, Pam Stompoly - Costume Co-Ordinator, Megan Alvord* - Stage Manager

FOOTLOOSE CAST:

Anton Fero as Ren McCormack, Emma Degerstadt * as Ariel Moore, Cris O'Bryon as Reverend Shaw Moore, Laura Dickinson * as Vi Moore, Jon Eidson as Willard Hewitt, Kaitlyn Etter as Rusty, Aleksander D'Avignon as Chuck Cranston, Meagan Flint as Urleen, Catie Marron as Wendy Jo, Debra Wanger as Ethel McCormack, Michael Pinning as Garvin/Cowboy Bob, Daniel Filippi as Jeter, Ricardo Cota, Jr. as Bickle, Kevin McDonald as Travis, David Crane as Lyle, Jeni Hawkes as Lulu Warnicker, Kasey Viani as Betty Blast/Eleanor Dunbar, Charles Maze as Wes, Ted Leib as Coach Roger Dunbar, Ed Hollingsworth as Principal Clark, Ensemble: Cassie Bowerman, Courtney Fero, Tiffany Loui, Danny Dwaine Wells II, Matthew Williams

*Member of Actors Equity Association (AEA)

Single tickets for SDMT's production of FOOTLOOSE are $26.00, $32.00, $42.00 and $52.00. Children 12 and under are half price. There are discounts for Seniors, Military and Students. Equity and Actor's Alliance may purchase up to 2 tickets at half price. Group discounts for parties of 10 or more are available by calling the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. For individual tickets contact the Administrative Office at 858-560-5740 or visit SDMT online at www.sdmt.org.

FOOTLOOSE show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at The Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Avenue, San Diego, Calif. There is street parking and a parking structure across the street from the theatre.

For more information and tickets call the San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office at 858-560-5740. The San Diego Musical Theatre Administrative Office is located at 4652 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111. Box Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 1pm-2pm), Monday through Thursday. Open 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Fridays.

San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) is an award-winning, nonprofit theater company that seeks to bring vibrant musical theatre to the San Diego community. The mission of SDMT is to impact audiences by producing a range of classic and contemporary musical productions that engage and enhance the overall theatre experience. By partnering with professional actors, musi- cians, and technicians SDMT infuses momentum and energy into one of the only true American art forms. SDMT's vision is to create an environment where high-quality musical theatre thrives in San Diego for generations to come.