Ren McCormick (Alex Minarik) and his Chicago crew ignite the show with explosive energy, launching into the high-octane opening number “Footloose.” (College of Fine Arts)

Florida State University’s School of Theatre invites audiences to cut loose this month with its production of “Footloose,” the high-energy musical inspired by the 1980s cult classic film.

The story follows Ren McCormack, a city teenager who moves to the small town of Bomont only to find that rock music and dancing have been banned. Ren’s rebellious spirit soon sparks a movement, challenging town leaders to reconsider the ban and let the local teenagers dance again.

Performances run from Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, March 1, at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

“Ultimately, ‘Footloose’ endures as a story of healing and community,” said Director Dewayne Barrett. “When the town finally dances, it is not rebellion; it is reconciliation.”

 

The cast poses at the end of the number “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” in which “Two-left-feet” Willard (Jadon Rhyne) gets a crash course in dancing from the Cowboys, while Rusty (Emma Kate Farlow) confides in the Cowgirls about her growing crush on him. (College of Fine Arts)The girls of Bomont unleash their wildest daydreams as they belt out the powerhouse ’80s anthem “Holding Out for a Hero,” imagining the larger-than-life man they hope will sweep them off their feet. (College of Fine Arts)

The production features a mix of the film’s Oscar-nominated hits, including “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” alongside dynamic new songs written specifically for the stage.

The cast is comprised of FSU students Alex Minarik as Ren McCormack, James Nelson as Reverend Shaw, Ally Babincak as Ariel Moore and Margaret Giles as Vi Moore.

The creative team includes direction and choreography by Barrett, music direction by Michael Norris, scenic design by Jesse Dreikosen, costume design by Sungwon An, sound design by Alroy Harry, and lighting design by Todd Wren.

Tickets are available now at tickets.theatre.fsu.edu. For more information on the FSU School of Theatre’s 2025-2026 season and academic programs, visit theatre.fsu.edu.

“Footloose” is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

 

Ren (Alex Minarik) pleads with Willard (Jadon Rhyne) since it’s the most exciting news he’s heard since arriving in Bomont. Their unlikely friendship comes to life in the upbeat number “Can’t Stand Still.” (College of Fine Arts)Chuck Cranston (Grant Newcombe) and his buddies Travis (Cole Hall) and Lyle (not pictured) tease Chuck’s girlfriend Ariel (Ally Babincak) during the rollicking number “The Girl Gets Around.” (College of Fine Arts)