When the students of Webster Thomas High School take the stage with their production of Footloose, you’re gonna have a hard time keeping still in your seat.
Here’s how I know: I attended a dress rehearsal last Sunday afternoon, and was still standing in the auditorium aisle when the young Thomas actors burst onstage with their first song: “Footloose.” And I started dancing. Right there in the aisle. I just couldn’t resist. The music — and the singing — are that good.
And the show just got better from there. That first song was representative of the talent that you’ll see this weekend as Webster Thomas High School presents Footloose, Thursday through Saturday March 5 through 7.
You surely remember the 1984 Oscar-nominated movie musical starring Kevin Bacon. The story follows Ren McCormack, a city teenager who moves from Chicago to small-town Bomont, where rock music and dancing have been outlawed by the local government and the influential Rev. Shaw Moore. Determined to bring life back to the community, Ren teams up with the Reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel, and his best friend Willard, to challenge the law and organize a school dance.
And we all know the music (the title song is probably running through your head right now). The production revisits iconic 1980s songs from the Tony-nominated top-40 score, including “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” and of course “Footloose,” guaranteeing a high-energy, high-stepping good time.
Led by Artistic Director Benjamin Rabinowitz and Music Director/Producer Kyle Sackett, the production features a talented cast, crew, and pit of nearly 100 Webster Thomas students. There’s some salty language, so you probably don’t want to bring your young children. But parents, if you need an inexpensive night out and want to revisit a classic, you will NOT be disappointed by Webster Thomas’ Footloose.
Shows will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Show times are:
- Thursday March 5, 7 p.m.
- Friday March 6, 7 p.m.
- Saturday March 7, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online here. If you’d like to see more photos from the rehearsal, click here to access my gallery.
* * *
(posted 3/3/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
webster on the web 
Leave a comment