KICK OFF YOUR SUNDAY SHOES AS ACTORS’ PLAYHOUSE
AT THE MIRACLE THEATRE PRESENTS FOOTLOOSE, THE MUSICAL

CORAL GABLES (February 4, 2008) – After Grease and before Hairspray, there was Footloose, the 80s cult-classic that reminded us to take time out to lace up our sneakers and bust a move. Footloose, the Musical will be shaking things up at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre March 5-April 6, 2008.

Once a popular film on the silver screen, with plans for a 2008 movie revival, Footloose, the Musical live on stage at the Miracle Theatre bursts to life with amazing dancing, great music, and lots of heart. An explosive musical production, Footloose is full of electrifying music. Including favorites like Holding out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let's Hear it for the Boy, and the hit title song Footloose, its movie sound track was number one on the billboard charts for an entire year.

The musical follows rebel Ren McCormack as he moves to a small town where dancing is banned. Shocked by the town’s rules, Ren goes toe-to-toe with the local preacher who is exercising control over the town’s youth. The Reverend’s rebellious daughter shares Ren’s frustrations and together they work to lift the ban. Ren’s appeal to the preacher and the town to accept dancing is packed with passion and exuberance. Footloose, the Musical reminds the young, and the young-at-heart, that everyone needs to take some time to cut loose and kick off their Sunday shoes.

Actors’ Playhouse Executive Producing Director Barbara Stein is thrilled to bring Footloose, the Musical to South Florida audiences.

“Footloose is fun, entertaining, and the kind of musical our diverse community likes to experience at the Miracle Theatre,” Stein said. “The show’s soundtrack is a smashing success that has so much appeal.”

Artistic Director David Arisco is looking forward to directing and presenting this high-energy dance show at Actors’ Playhouse.

“This is our big blockbuster musical of the year,” Arisco said. “We’ve assembled top-notch professional performers from all across the country and our creative team is the best in regional theatre. Footloose will be a musical event for the whole family.”

Footloose, the Musical was adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. It is based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford. The show’s music is by Tom Snow and lyrics are by Dean Pitchford. Additional music is by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins & Jim Steinman. Director David Arisco and Choreographer Barbara Flaten have compiled a stellar cast of talented actors to bring Footloose to Coral Gables. Having performed in Footloose both in New York and regionally, Nathaniel Shaw makes his Actors’ Playhouse debut as Ren, the big-city boy who stirs things up in small town, U.S.A. Also making her Actors’ Playhouse debut is Amy Miller Brennan as Ariel, the rebellious preacher’s daughter who catches Ren’s eye. Miller has performed in many theatres in New York and recently performed regionally in Respect: A Musical Journey of Women. After performing in the critically acclaimed Urinetown, the Musical, multiple Carbonell nominee Christopher A. Kent revisits the Actors’ Playhouse stage as Willard, a cowboy with a warm heart. Having recently performed in the Off-Broadway production of Wanda’s World, Heather Jane Rolff returns to Actors’ Playhouse to play Rusty, Ariel’s scrappy, gossipy friend. Also joining the cast as the powerful preacher Reverend Shaw is Barry J. Tarallo, a Carbonell award winner and Broadway actor. Xander Chauncey, who recently starred in Altar Boyz at Actors’ Playhouse, joins the Footloose cast as Chuck, the town’s trashy, bad boy. Carbonell award winner Sandy Ives, last seen at Actors’ Playhouse in The Boy From Russia, plays Vi, the strong-willed preacher’s wife. In addition to these lead actors, Footloose, the Musical includes a large and talented cast of ensemble actors and an experienced creative team. Rounding out the creative team is costume designer Ellis Tillman and set designer Gene Seyffer, with lighting design by Patrick Tennant and sound by Alexander Herrin.

Footloose, the Musical will preview at the Miracle Theatre Mar. 5 and 6, open on Mar. 7 and will play through April 6, 2008. Performances will be held Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Additional Wednesday Matinees will be held Mar. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.

The talkback with the cast of Footloose, the Musical and the creative team lead by Artistic Director David Arisco will take place following the production on Friday, Mar. 14. The talkback event facilitates discussions between the audience and members of the cast and the production team. Talkbacks will include discussion of creative decisions, motivations and issues surrounding the show.

Ticket prices are $33 for preview performances, $38.50 for weeknights and matinees, and $46 for Friday and Saturday evenings. The Gala Opening Night on March 7th is $100 and includes a complimentary Bacardi bar and post-show refreshments sponsored by Ortanique on the Mile.

The theatre offers a 10 percent senior discount rate the day of performance excluding Saturday and Sunday, and $15 student rush tickets 15 minutes prior to curtain, with identification. All discounts are based on availability.

Group discount rates are offered for 15 or more. Theatre/dining packages are available with Coral Gables’ select restaurants through our group sales department. Single tickets may be purchased through the box office at 305-444-9293 or online at www.actorsplayhouse.org.

Actors’ Playhouse 20th Anniversary Mainstage season continues with the Rupert Holmes new comedy-thriller THUMBS (May 7- 25, 2008) and Mid Life! The Crisis Musical (July 9 – August 10, 2008).

Subscribers receive premium seating, best savings, and benefits and discounts to the area’s choice restaurants and establishments. For more information on subscription benefits, contact the box office at 305-444-9293.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2008, Actors’ Playhouse, the resident theatre company and managing agent of the Miracle Theatre, has an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors, New York. Under the leadership of Executive Producing Director Barbara S. Stein and Artistic Director David Arisco, Actors’ Playhouse is a Florida Presenting Cultural Organization, one of eight major Florida professional theatre companies, and one of 22 major cultural institutions in Miami Dade County. In addition to its Mainstage season, Actors’ Playhouse produces a year-round season of Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, a National Children’s Theatre Festival, and offers a Theatre Conservatory and Summer Camp Program.

Actors’ Playhouse at The Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida, 33134. Phone: (305) 444-9293.