This spring, the Boonton High School Drama Club presented “Footloose: The Musical.” The show, held from March 3-5, was a great success, selling out tickets and breaking records as the highest grossing show in 15 years.
With a cast and crew of more than 50 students and a production heavy on choreography and music, the high-energy musical brought new life to the BHS stage and paved the way for future shows. The show was directed by Mrs. Oliveri and the set and music were designed and produced by Mr. Matarazzo and Mr. Johnson, respectively.
“Stepping into the role of drama director for “Footloose: The Musical” was truly the highlight of my whole year,” Oliveri said. “Working with our brilliant students to create a show that they can be proud of was an incredible experience. Each and every student has their own role of importance from the choreographer to the crew to the lighting and sound and, of course, the actors on stage.”
“Footloose” had a powerful personal impact on the students of drama club, including senior Nadia Ris, who played the part of Ariel.
“Drama club is such a wonderful community. It’s so nice to have a place for students to connect and find their voice,” said Ris.
The juniors already are looking forward to next year’s production and taking their roles as the seniors helping lead the show. The drama club strongly encourages all underclassmen to audition and be a part of the future of BHS theater. There is a place and opportunity for everyone on and off the stage.
Oliveri noted that the play was a community effort and had high praise for everyone who made “Footloose: The Musical” unforgettable.
“There is also very much support from the administration, who joined us on stage all three nights, and staff and parents that we could not do without them,” she said. “It is a very rigorous schedule that all students involved had to stick to to be a success. I am completely blessed for the experience and I’m beaming with extreme pride from the end result.”