Everybody Cut 'Footloose!'

Monmouth County residents can foster a love of the arts right in their backyard with The Marlboro Community Players’ production of Footloose this weekend. 

The details
Footloose
Where: Marlboro Memorial Middle School , 71 Nolan Rd, Morganville
When: Oct. 12, 13 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 14 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $14 in advance online at marlboroplayers.com ; $15 at the door

“It’s a moving story with energetic dancing and chart-topping `80s tunes based on the 1984 movie with Kevin Bacon and John Lithgow,” said Director/Choreographer Vicki Trerotola.

Stay connected to the arts through the Marlboro-Colts Neck Patch Facebook page.

In addition to raising families, working full-time jobs, attending school, and whatever else comprises cast members’ “real” lives, members of the theater troupe logged unpaid hours to bring this show to the community.

“Each production takes about 70 hours of rehearsal time, plus time working on the set, technical elements, and other aspects,” Trerotola said. “We do these productions to keep theatre and the arts alive in Monmouth County."

Merri Cohen, who plays Lulu, joined Marlboro Players as an extra in Seussical when her children got parts in the production.

“I got to perform with my kids on stage, and I was hooked. There is nothing better than doing theater together with your kids,” she said. “My kids have learned so much and get to experience what it is like to do a full theatrical production from scratch—dance, music, sets, makeup, costumes. It has taught them about commitment and teamwork, and they have gained so much confidence from being on stage. Plus, we have all made great friends—every show, the cast becomes like a family."

Trerotola said including kids and teenagers in the production allows them access to a professional, high-quality production. It also allows them to be exposed to the arts in a whole new way.

Cohen said, “The teens and young adults in the cast are super talented. Jamian Berkal, who plays Arielle, has a gorgeous voice. And Kevin Albanese, who plays Ren, is just amazing. I think he is actually better than Kevin Bacon. Other standouts include Fran Trerotola, who does a great job leading "Let's Hear it for the Boy,"; Greg Schumann, who is very soulful as Reverend Shaw Moore; and Mike Drake, who plays the perfect hick as Willard—his song, "Mama Says" is hysterical and a standout number in the show.”

The Cast:

•  Ren McCormack- Kevin Albanese
•  Reverend Shaw Moore- Greg Schumann
•  Ariel Moore- Jamian Berkal
•  Willard Hewitt- Mike Drake
•  Rusty- Francesca Trerotola
•  Vi Moore- Nicole Mory
•  Chuck Cranston- Anthony Competello
•  Urleen- Carla Ratta
•  Wendy Jo- Angela Ronan
•  Ethel McCormack- Marla Struminger
•  Lyle/Jeter/Cop- Tyler Glagola
•  Travis/Bickle/Cowboy Bob- Connor Wilson
•  Garvin- Nathan Ullrich
•  Wes- Alan Burkholz
•  Lulu- Merri Cohen
•  Betty Blast- Stephanie Willis

 Ensemble:

Rachel Gorenstein, Julia Farella, Leanne Sinsky, Victoria Pizzo, Lauren Pelaia, Amanda Macchia, Shelby Lapierre, Carly Unterweiser, Gillian Gleizer, Alex Fernandez, Carlie Hackmann, Emma Marcus, Gigi Garrity, Jake Sinsky, Sophia Geisser, Christina Ruivivar, Nicole Weber, Chad Fruscione, Katie Towner, Jessica Wong, Avery Kaplan, Kelly Mazur, Danielle Sherman, Evan Peloia, Alec Kaplan, Phoebe Struminger, Jarod Struminger, Andrew Gleizer, Margaret, Garrity, Arielle Cohen, James Schumann

• Producer: Steven Lilonsky
• Director/Choreographer: Vicki Trerotola
• Musical Director: Vince Mottern
• Stage Manager: Nick Colletti is the stage manager