‘Footloose!’ shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com August 2, 2016 • Page 3 The Lewis and Clark Theatre Company presents “Footloose” at the Dakota Theatre in downtown Yankton Aug. 4-7 and Aug. 1114. LEFT: It tells the story of a big-city boy (Gage Blaschke) who meets a girl (Catherine Perakslis) in a repressive small town. ABOVE: Willard (Logan Haak, left) gets into it with Chuck (Mitchel Janousek) while Ren (Blaschke) tries to keep the peace. BELOW: A tense moment between Chuck and Ariel (Perakslis). (Kelly Hertz/P&D) By Reilly Biel reilly.biel@yankton.net Cut loose, footloose! That’s what the Lewis & Clark Theatre will do when the musical adapted from the hit 1984 film, “Footloose,” hits the stage next Thursday, Aug. 4. It will then run Aug. 5-7 and 11-14 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets opening night will be at half price. The musical focuses on high schooler Ren, who moves to a small farming town that has banned dancing after a tragic event. Determined to change the town’s mind, Ren sets out to prove that dancing is good for the soul. The musical version of the film debuted in 1998. For Tara Gill, the theatre’s executive director, the musical is a chance to step back into her directing shoes. After directing her first play, “A Christmas Carol,” at the theatre in 2002, she went on to direct a variety of shows before deciding to take a break two years ago. When the theatre landed the “Footloose” musical, she decided it was time to return to directing. “I love the 1984 film version and really wanted to give it a shot onstage,” she said. Everything about the show, from the music to the costumes, will be drenched in the ‘80s. According to the show’s music director, Gage LCTC Ready To Rock Yankton Stage With Musical Blaschke, most of the music will be limited from the film version, which includes five songs that were popular in the ‘80s. Blaschke, who graduated from Mount Marty College as a music major in May, is happy to put his degree to use. “I really appreciated the offer to be music director and it’s been a good experience,” he said. A good, if not stressful, experience. Last week, the actor playing the lead role suffered an injury athat made him unable to continue in the show. When that “hiccup,” as Gill referred to it as, occurred, she knew who would step (or in this case, dance) up to the plate. “My reaction to being offered the lead was, ‘Well, why not?’ Let’s add more kindling to the fire,’” Blaschke said. “It’s a welcome challenge and will definitely be difficult, but it will also be fun and worthwhile.” Juggling those two roles has been a learning experience for him. “Sometimes I’m like ‘Yeah, I’m acting with my friends’ and then I remember I’m still in charge of things too,” he said. “It’s a balancing act of the roles, but it’s been an interesting experience.” Family Owned – Locally Operated Licensed/Bonded/Insured Busch & Busch Light 605-665-7865 109 W. 3rd St. in Downtown Yankton MV Shopper The Axial-Flow Combine is at the heart of our 100-year legacy of harvesting expertise. Cox Auto 1007 Broadway Ave. • Yankton • 665-4494 Pork Producers Doing confinement power cleaning? Need someone reliable? 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Gill wants people to remember that the show’s rehearsals only go for 5 ½ weeks before opening night. “Musicals are very challenging because it has three components: acting, singing and dancing,” she said. “You have to coordinate those three things together working with 40 people’s schedules in a 5 ½-week span.” We’ve Got You Covered Gill first witnessed Blaschke in action when he performed in the theatre’s production of “Oklahoma!” If advertising pays! “I knew he was very talented musically and on stage,” she said. “I didn’t second guess my decision to ask him to take over the lead. He graciously accepted the role and the stress that comes with it.” Although Blaschke will have had just 12 practices in the role before the first show, she is sure he will “rock it.” “We will have a show that will rock this town,” she said, adding that the public has expressed excitement 30pks 16.35 $ Thursday, August 4 10am - 6pm In case of rain, sale will be held inside 30% to 50% OFF re rnitu es Fu nc ia Appl Matt resse s Floor ing Including: Used Furniture Used Appliances SMIDT FURNITURE & APPLIANCE 605-925-4904 • Freeman, S.D.