TYA's "Footloose" Benefits from Theater Professionals

If you have attended any local theater productions, you surely know that Trumbull and our neighboring towns have some incredibly talented teens and young adults. But did you know that here in Trumbull, we are extremely fortunate to have some terrific music and theater veterans working with our youth to produce high caliber summer theater year after year?

The Trumbull Youth Association’s upcoming production of “Footloose”, which opens next week, is no exception! Michael Wright, the show’s director this year, is an alumnus of TYA who holds a degree in Theater Studies from Emerson College, and has appeared in the national tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” as well as regional productions including  “Rent,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” He brings a unique perspective to “Footloose,” having played the lead when TYA produced the show 10 years ago.

David Harris, the musical director, has been involved in many musical theater productions, from off-Broadway to local shows. He has served as arranger and orchestrator for several organizations, including the prestigious Rodgers and Hammerstein Foundation in New York City. He performs regularly in venues throughout the greater New York City and Connecticut area.

The show’s choreographer, Kathleen Hellrigel, is a lifelong dancer who has been involved in well over 150 shows and musicals as a director, choreographer, or performer. She has been associated with the Edgerton Center Theater in Fairfield and Playhouse on the Green in Bridgeport. Kathleen also co-founded the Connecticut Ballroom Theater Company, and won awards during her 10 years in competitive ballroom dancing.

N. Joseph DeTullio, the set designer, is a Trumbull native who is in his 16^th year as Production Designer for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” and is a five-time Emmy Award nominee as well as the recipient of two Art Directors Guild (ADG) awards, plus two additional ADG nominations for excellence in production design.

“Footloose” opens next Thursday, August 2^nd and runs through Sunday, August 5^th at Madison Middle School, 4630 Madison Avenue, Trumbull. Show times are 8pm Thursday through Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday. Tickets are $16, and are available in advance at www.trumbullyouth.org, or at the door before the performance. For more information, call the Trumbull Youth Department at 203-452-5032.