Footloose the Musical

Newton High School Auditorium
900 W 12th St, Newton, KS 67114

July 17: 7:00 pm

July 18: 7:00 pm

July 19: 2:00 pm

Tickets

Tickets are general admission for $15 each. TIckets go on sale in mid/late June.

Buy in person at the Newton Rec Center or select the ticket button to purchase online.

FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL DIGITAL PROGRAM

Footloose Digital Program.pdf

NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR:

I want to start by saying it’s an honor to have been asked to direct for Newton Community Theatre. This is such a fantastic, talented, committed group of people from actors, crew, to production staff!

When I first joined the project, there was still open discussion for the summer production; when the board landed on FOOTLOOSE, I admit, I had never been a true fan, but trusted it was the best choice for the community!

Needless to say after six weeks with these actors, characters and this story, I am thrilled FOOTLOOSE was the final choice. These characters and the development of who they become, specifically the arc for Ren and Shaw, has surprised me. Every actor on stage worked with me to bring this story to life rooted in realism, making me a fan of FOOTLOOSE the musical & the relationships it builds!!

Who knew a jukebox musical could be so power packed with not only one fantastic musical number after the next, but also with themes of community, rebuilding, redemption and most importantly, how putting others first can be healing, empowering, and even help us overcome heartache!

Thank you, Newton Community Theatre and this amazing production team for a fantastic summer. It has been a pleasure to share this story with you!

Sarah Mae Lamar

CAST AND CREW BIOS

LEVI KULAS | REN MCCORMACK | Levi Kulas is thrilled to be playing Ren McCormack! Some of his favorite shows in which he has participated are Les Mis, Bright Star, and Holiday Inn. When he's not doing theater, he's helping with his 10 siblings, learning self-defense, collecting comics, or watching and reviewing movies with his friends. He hopes you enjoy the show! 'Nuff said.

HANNAH GAEDDERT | ETHEL MCCORMACK | Hannah is returning to the stage as Ethel McCormack, after a long hiatus from acting. Previously she preformed in "No No Nannette" and "Seussical the Musical". Off stage Hannah enjoys spending time with her family, sewing and tending her garden. She would like to thank her family for all of the support (and childcare!) they have given her this summer.

JOHN ROSZEL | REV. SHAW MOORE | 'Big John', as he is affectionately known, makes his off-Broadway debut at the youthful age of 50. Married to Beth, his Beloved and proud father to sons Avery and Levi and his amazing daughter Naomi. Avery and Naomi have multiple shows already in their resumes. It was Naomi that tricked...ahem...convinced Daddio to audition for this show.

KELLY SMITH | VI MOORE | Kelly is thrilled to return for her third summer with NCT. Her previous roles have included Miss Hannigan in A Chorus Crime and Sister Berthe in The Sound of Music. Most recently she performed in the local playwright festival Pen to Paper to Performance at Hesston College. Love to her friends and family and many thanks to those in the cast and crew for another great NCT experience!

OLIVIA HILL | ARIEL MOORE | Olivia Hill is so excited to make her Newton debut as Ariel Moore in Footloose! You may have seen Olivia recently in Roxy's Downtown's Dear Evan Hansen as Alana as well as Friends University's Shrek The Musical as Dragon and Pirates Of Penzance as Edith! Olivia is a Music Theatre Major at Friends University! She would like to thank her family for always supporting her and making sure she could drive to rehearsals! Olivia is so excited to be in this production and can’t wait for you to watch, enjoy!

CARMEN BAEZA | LULU | Carmen is thrilled to make her stage debut as Lulu! A lover of the arts, she finds joy in cheering on her nieces and nephew in everything they do. She is forever grateful for the friends and family who inspire her to follow her heart, and for the opportunity to share this stage with her niece Blair. Enjoy the show!

AARON TSCHETTER | WES WARNIKER | Aaron is excited to be back on the NCT stage! He has previously played The Escapologist in Matilda (2025) and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid (2017). In his spare time, he enjoys singing, running, and being silly. He currently serves as President of the NCT Board of Directors and is passionate about supporting the arts in our community. Aaron would like to thank his wife, Rebecca, for her unwavering support throughout this production and his two children for being a constant source of joy and inspiration.

BEN MCDANIEL | COACH DUNBAR | Ben is thrilled to be back for his sixth NCT show! Since playing Miss Trunchbull last summer, he has played Friar Laurence in Romeo & Juliet for Wichita Shakespeare Company, H.C. in Copper Moon for Kechi Playhouse, Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar for Roxy's Downtown, and Le Beau & Amiens in As You Like It for WSC.

MELISSA WEBB | ELEANOR/BETTY BLAST | Melissa is delighted to make her NCT debut as Eleanor and Betty! New to NCT but not theatre, she most recently directed middle school plays. She returns to acting after 25+ years, a bucket-list goal after beating cancer last year. Between Footloose rehearsals she moved to Newton, where she looks forward to being a NEWtonian and doing more with NCT!

CASSANDRA AGUILAR | RUSTY | Cassandra (Rusty) is honored to be making her NCT musical debut. Favorite past roles include Delta Nu (Legally Blonde ) and Featured Dancer (Sister Act & Head over Heels). When Cassandra is not on stage you can find her behind the curtain running the tech or coaching Colorguard. Catch her touring local schools with Wichita Children’s Theatre this upcoming school year. Lots of Love to her family, friends and mentors and thanks to the cast and crew!"

KAETE MORKYNSKI | URLEEN | Kaete Mokrynski (Urleen) Is extremely excited to make her Newton Community Theatre debut . Kaete is an upcoming senior BFA musical theatre and BFA dance double major student at Wichita State University, originally from Closter, New Jersey. Some of her past collegiate and professional credits include #2 (The Wolves), First Girl (Blood Wedding), Sally Bowles (Cabaret) Frau Bergman (Spring Awakening) and Joanne (Company). When Kaete is not onstage she likes to professionally choreograph and has recently been the resident choreographer for Wichita Grand Opera, and has attended numerous professional summer institutions for dance such as the Ruth Page Center for the Arts pro summer training program, Joffrey Ballet School, and most recently Giordano Dance Chicago. She would like to thank Amy Baker Schwiethale from WSU and her professional tap dance and choreographic mentor Courtney Wages.

LIZZIE SCHMUCKER | WENDY JO | Lizzie is excited to return to the stage as Wendy Jo after a brief hiatus. She's thrilled to be back performing and reconnecting with the theater community. She is grateful for the friendships, laughter, and memories made throughout this production. Enjoy the show!

RONNI HORN | LIZZIE MAE | Ronni Horn (Lizzie Mae) is so exited for you to join us in the world of Footloose. Ronni is exited to join NCT once again after the role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls on the same stage. Their favorites included Maggie Mundy in Dancing at Lughnasa and The Old Actor (Hennry) in The Fantasticks. Ronni is happy to share their love of theater with everyone. Love and appreciation to their friends and family who help them persue their dreams!

DAVID JANTZ | CHUCK CRANSTON | David is a first-time thespian who spends his free time doing equally quirky things like improv comedy and designing his own tattoos. He'd like to thank his family for their endless support for his endeavors!

ADAM WONSER | LYLE | This is Adam’s (Lyle) fourth musical and he is excited to return to the stage. Off stage he’s a manager and is getting ready for the football season.

CODY CLAASSEN | JETER/THE COP | Cody Claassen started doing theater in high school in 2007 and started doing Newton Community Theater in 2012. Some of his favorite past roles have included The Cowardly Lion (Wizard of Oz), Michael (God of Carnage), Teddy Brewster (Arsenic and Old Lace) and Tim Allgood (Noises Off). When not acting or singing, Cody enjoys collecting vinyl records, playing board games, and painting miniatures.

BRANDT BARRIENTOS | WILLARD

JENNIFER HORN | PRINCIPAL

KÁLON KIRK | BICKLE

NATHANIEL SCHMUCKER | GARVIN/ENSEMBLE | Nathaniel has recently been in Almost Maine (Randy), The Musical Comedy Murders (Understudy), and Lost Girl (Nibs/Detective) at Wichita Community Theater. He has also acted in shows at Kechi Playhouse, McPherson Community Theater and is making his fourth appearance in a NCT musical.

ZACHARY JENKINS | TRAVIS/COWBOY BOB | Zach (Travis/Cowboy Bob) is excited to return to the stage for Footloose! He has previously performed at Friends University, in roles such as Theolonius (Shrek the Musical), Benny Southstreet (Guys and Dolls), Pirate King (Pirates of Penzance), and more. He'd like to thank his friends and family for supporting him!

ADAM CHAMBERLIN | ENSEMBLE | Adam is back at it again, another year another show. Whether as a supporting part lifting leads to greater heights or one of the leads themselves, I will work to make this show better than the last.

SARAH BRADY-MCINTYRE | TEEN TOWNSPERSON | Sarah Brady-McIntyre (Teen Townsperson) is thrilled to once again be a part of a Newton Community Theater production! Recent credits include A Chorus Crime: A Meta Musical Theater Murder Mystery (as Little Red from Into the Woods) and Matilda (Big Kid). She also apprised the role of Juno in Beetlejuice Jr. at the Hesston Theater Camp last summer. This fall she will be starting her freshman year at Newton High School, focusing on music and theater. When not on a theatrical stage, Sarah enjoys performing with the Newton Community Children’s Choir, playing trumpet and piano, and shopping for antiques. Special thanks to the director, the cast, and her parents and sister for their endless support!

CODI WILLIAMS | TOWNSPERSON | This year Codi is part of the towns people. She loves being on stage singing and acting. She has played in last summers Matilda and absolutely loved all of that. She also did some smaller skits in school. Footloose has been a lot more dancing and singing so she has learned a lot!

KATIE SMITH | ENSEMBLE | Katie has been doing musical theater since 2023, this is her 4th show. However, she's always had a love for the dramatics, and has been singing since she was ten years old. Footloose has challenged her in a very fun way, and she'd like to thank her music teacher, friends and family for their help and support.

KATIE FRIESEN | TOWNSPERSON

ANGELIKA DONALDSON | HS STUDENT | This is Angelika Donaldson’s fourth production with NCT. In Footloose she is in charge of costume design but is also one of the dancing teen ensemble. Angelika’s theatre experience spans 12 years and has played roles such as Cinderella in Into The Woods, Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls, and Alana in The Little Mermaid to name a few. Angelika graduated from Bethel College in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Arts in Vocal Performance. Currently, Angelika is studying to earn her Master’s degree in Music Education from Eastern Washington University. Angelika would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for helping her get to where she is today.

GABI BLOCHER | HS STUDENT | Gabi (High-school Student) is excited to make an appearance on stage again! In the past she has done Freaky Friday, Mean Girls, and Beetlejuice! She enjoys reading, music, and hanging with friends and family. Huge shout out to her parents but specially her mom for telling her about these shows and making the magic happen!

BLAIR BAEZA | HS STUDENT

AUDREY ELIZABETH WEBB | HS STUDENT | Audrey is so excited to perform in her 14th stage production - and she’s only 16! Besides theater she also enjoys golf, Dr. Pepper, and making TikToks. Her favorite roles include Karen in Mean Girls, Peter in Peter Pan, and Delia in Beetlejuice. Shout-out to her Shayla (What are you doing right now?), her vocal coach, Sheridan, and her cat.

CHARISMA BROWN | HS STUDENT | Charisma Brown (High school student) is a recent dance graduate from WSU. Her previous credits include mom 2/ensemble in Matilda and a pirate in Peter Pan. She frequently visits New York to train, network, and pursue her dreams of being a professional dancer. Thank you to all her family, friends, and mentors throughout the years!

CHARLIE SKINNER | HS STUDENT

BRYNLIE WEIMER | HS STUDENT | Brynlie is excited to join NCT once again with Footloose being her 4th musical she’s participated in! Favorite musical so far is being Louisa Von trap in Sound Of Music. Good luck to everyone involved with making this years musical!!

ELISSA FIELDER | ENSEMBLE | Elissa is very excited to be dancing in her first musical! When not dancing she enjoys playing piano, making coffee and hanging with friends.

LISA COX | COSTUMES | Lisa is excited to be part of this show. In high school & college she participated in many shows both on & off stage. She has also helped with costumes at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School for the past 6 years. This we’ll be the 4th NCT show she has helped with. Lisa would like to thank her family (especially her husband) for putting up with her being gone crazy hours. Also, a big thanks to cast & crew for everything. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Her Favorite Footloose Moment: The song “Momna Says”

Something I’m willing to stand up for: I will always have my friends backs, no matter what!

SARAH MAE LAMAR | DIRECTOR | Sarah Mae Lamar is the Director of Musical Theatre at Friends University. Sarah has spent her entire professional career on musical theater stages, performing and directing all across the Midwest. Sarah Mae has her undergraduate degree in vocal performance/theatre education. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts in Theater through Baker University and a Master of Arts in Theater: with an emphasis on: Acing, Education, Directing and Design from the University of Houston. As a performer, Sarah has been seen on nearly all professional stages in Kansas City. Her favorite roles include: The Witch in INTO THE WOODS, The Homeless Lady in A NEW BRAIN, and Madame Thenardier in LES MISERABLES.

As an educator and director, her favorite shows include JEKYLL & HYDE (Blue Star Winner), URINETOWN, CHICAGO, MEAN GIRLS, LEGALLY BLONDE, GODSPELL, and ADDAMS FAMILY, to name a few. She is coming to Friends from Arkansas where she was the Founding Director of Theatre for the only fine arts charter in the state.

Actors under her training have gone on to win Jimmie awards in New York, have success as professionals on Musical Theatre stages and in Hollywood. Sarah was honored to be asked to direct these fantastic Newton actors and work alongside this fantastic team and NCT board!! If you have students interested in being in participating in musicals on the FRIENDS stage, please reach out to Sarah directly: Sarah_Lamar@Friends.Edu

Sarah is so incredibly blessed to be working alongside her best friend and choreographer, Nick Perry and to be close to her family Rocky and Jo Lamar and is so grateful for all of their love and support in all she does!

GREG BONTRAGER | MUSIC DIRECTOR | Greg Bontrager retired from public education after 34 years teaching vocal music in the Goessel (KS) and the Buhler (KS) school districts.

Currently, he is the associate director for the Newton and North Newton Community Foundations and Choir Director for Hesston College. He has also served as adjunct music education professor at Kansas Wesleyan University.

He holds a Master of Music Education degree from Wichita State University, Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethel College and an Associate Arts degree from Hesston College.

He has been involved as an adjudicator and clinician for school choirs, competitions, and festivals. In addition, Greg has served as the South-Central District Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) Choir Chairman, State KMEA Choir Chairman, President of the Kansas Choral Directors Association and is in his 19th year as the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Choir Director.

His family includes wife, Melody, and children Shawn, Seth, and Marissa & Nathan Murphy and grandsons, James and Charlie Murphy.

NICHOLAS PERRY | CHOREOGRAPHER | Nicholas Perry is thrilled to have been the choreographer of Footloose at Newton Community Theatre. He is a Kansas City native with over 20 plus years as a theatre performer, director, music director, Dance Teacher, Choreographer and various other roles in the Performing arts.

His experience, Having received training at UMKC CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND DANCE, led him to work with many companies across the KC area including; KC Rep, New Dinner Theatre, Starlight Theatre, The MET, Music Theatre Heritage, The Coterie Theatre, Theatre in the Park, The Culture House, Storling Dance Theatre, City in Motion, KC Friends of Alvin Ailey, and KC Ballet. Some of his favorite roles include; Curly in Oklahoma, Toby in Sweeney Todd, John in John and Jen, Man 2 in Songs for a New World, Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance, Papa Ge in Once on this Island, Chino in West Side Story and The Cat in the Hat in Seussical. Up next you can see him onstage in Come From Away at Roxy’s in September.

You can also see his choreography in Friends University season, Tuck Everlasting and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Thank you to Sarah for putting up with my antics and the support for another show of our 10 year working relationship and thanks to my family for their continued support! Thank you so much for attending our show! Cut footloose!

MELODY WIENS BONTRAGER | PIANIST | Melody Wiens Bontrager started playing piano at the age of four. a proud Bethel Alum, Melody is an accompanist for the Newton Community Children’s Choir and Newton High School. She is also a full-time registered nurse in the Critical Care Unit at NMC Health. she loves to read, quilt and bake. Melody is thrilled to be collaborating with two of her family members, providing music for Footloose! Melody resides in North Newton with her husband, Greg and three cats.

SETH BONTRAGER | LEAD GUITAR | Seth (some experience) is so excited to be participating in this musical! He is normally touring the country with his band but was able to take a week off to perform with this cast. The last time he played in a pit orchestra was in high school so it’s exciting to return to musical theater! He would like to thank his parents Greg and Melody as well as the rest of his family for their unending love and support.

HANNAH KAVANAUGH | WOODWINDS | Hannah Kavanaugh is excited to make their NCT debut on flute, clarinet, and sax. Recent credits include Company, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Into the Woods at Roxy’s in Wichita. Hannah holds a B.M. in Flute Performance from Capital University in Columbus, OH, an M.M. in Flute from WSU, and a Certificate in Clarinet and Saxophone, also from WSU.

DEREK JESSE | BASS PLAYER | Derek Jesse has spent the last four years studying music education and playing bass at Emporia State University. This fall, he will be student teaching at Northridge Elementary and Newton Middle/High Schools. Outside of class, he enjoys playing bass with The Fleeting Moments, who just released their debut album, “There’s Only One Beautiful Place,” which can be found on streaming platforms.

BILL GLEN | DRUMMER | I am the current touring drummer for international recording artists The Lettermen. When I'm home I freelance whenever possible. I'm a member of the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and spent 10 years in the pit for Music Theatre of Wichita. I am really looking forward to playing this fun show with an amazing group of musicians in the pit.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse