‘Footloose’ lead roles prepare to get into character for Spring Musical

By Brienna Burr

In Redwood’s musical this year, Footloose, five leads are “super pumped” to be portraying their roles. 

Five large characters in this show are Ren McCormack, Ariel Moore, Vi Moore, Reverend Shaw and Rusty Rodriguez. 

Ren McCormack is portrayed by Kylen Gray-Jacobson, ´22. Gray says his character, Ren, “is a restless teen from Chicago.” He was “extremely excited” to find out he got this role. He says that when he first watched the movie Footloose he, “was hooked by the characters.” 

Brooke O’Leary, ‘22 got the role of Ariel Moore. O’Leary says she is, “so excited to bring [Ariel] to life.”

She adds that she thinks her and her character are similar. She says, “it feels so great [to have her role].” She explains how she is, “so grateful [she] got casted and [she is] ecstatic to keep working on the show.”

Tessa Hemphill, ‘22 says she was, “really excited” to find out she got the role of Vi Moore. She says her favorite part about her character is “her resilience.”

Hemphill also adds that, “Mrs. Galvan [Drama teacher] has been telling [them that Footloose] is a story of healing for the family and the town.”

Hemphill says that she, “believes that the message of [the] show will send love and healing” to the audience. 

James Lucio, ‘22 says his character is Reverend Shaw. Lucio says he does not feel like he is similar to his character.

Lucio says he, “is a big fan of dancing and [he doesn’t] think the Reverend would appreciate that very much.” 

To have this role, Lucio says, “it feels great, especially to have so many talented people [surrounding him.]” 

The Footloose character, Rusty Rodriguez is going to be played by Alyssa Sozinho, ‘23. She said that this role, “was a dream for [her] since [she] was little.”

Sozinho adds that to have this role, “feels like an honor” and she, “loves working with this cast [and she] looks forward to rehearsal every day.” 

Footloose will be performed February 17, 18, and 19 of 2022.

Tags: arts and entertainment, drama, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood rangers