Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman
Presented in part through the generosity of Leigh Shultz
April 2024
The Burgdorff Center for The Performing Arts
Ren McCormack - Alex Martynetz
Ariel Moore - Amber Brown
Shaw Moore - Jason Benjamin
Willard Hewitt - Luke Basile
Rusty - Charlotte Vybihal/Emily Moran
Chuck Cranston - Kaan Akyol
Vi Moore - Lisa Wolper
Ethel McCormack - Eric Vieira
Wendy Jo - Leila Tai Brown
Urleen - Kate Croonquist
Jeter - Steve Dodrv
Bickle - Joe Dodrv
Garvin - Marquis Neal
Travis - Thomas Barbara
Lyle/Cowboy Bob - Miguel Vega
Roger Dunbar - Whitney Pillsbury
Eleanor Dunbar - Heather Cozine
Principal Clark - Alicia N. Fink
Wes Warnicker - Stephen Sigmund
Lulu Warnicker - Serena Marie Smith
Betty Blast - Janet Painter
Cop/Band Member - David Odukoya
Featured Dancers
Shannon O'Grady, Hannah Gaston,
Jessie Dromsky-Reed, Cherise Graham,
Kristin Myles, Grayson Weiss,
Ryan Pearce
Ensemble
Mary Ann Bonczek, Danielle "Dani" Bouie
Ronni McAllister, Sophia Rounsavill
Director/Set Designer - Nicholas J. Clarey
Music Director - Holland J. Jancaitis
Choreographer/Fight/Intimacy Director - Katie Claire
Stage Manager - Andrea Redmount
Asst. Stage Manager - Brianna Marchitto
Costumer - Bonnie Grube
Lighting Designer - David Heguy
Asst Lighting Designer - Sierra Wade
Lighting Operator - Vix Martins
Sound Operator - Mickey McGrath
Props Director - Lisa Tasch
Run Crew - Jason Vieira
Program Design - Mark Aquilino
Audition Assistants - Regine Riviere, Tasha R. Williams,
Mark Aquilino, Tommy Jamerson
Rehearsal Accompanist - Kyle Cao
Dance Captain - Shannon O'Grady
Logo Design - Whitney Pillsbury
Band
Keyboard 1 - Holland J. Jancaitis
Keyboard 2 - Kyle Cao/Marisa Green
Reeds - Jackson Pellegrino
Guitar - Travis Alexander
Bass Guitar - Devin McGuire/Jake Sachs
Drums - BJ Hemann
ABOUT THE SHOW
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.