Encore Theatre Arts opens its 2012 season with the high-energy dance musical, FOOTLOOSE, opening Friday, May 4 - and playing through Sunday, May 6, 2012. Batavia Middle School Auditorium,39 Washington Avenue Batavia, NY. The season continues in July with the hilarious musical comedy Title of Show, at the SPACE, 1115 Main Street, Rochester, NY, July 13-15. "Footloose is the perfect summer musical. It is packed with high-spirited dancing, and a score full of the music that defined the ‘80s. It is simply a fun night at the theatre, and we all need that," says Vocal Director and Executive Director of Encore! Eric Traugott. Director and choreographer Tara Kaczorowski along with the creative team has assembled an outstanding cast of talented young and adult performers. Inspired by the wildly popular 1984 movie, FOOTLOOSE thrilled Broadway audiences for nearly two years. Based on the popular 80’s movie of the same name, the stage version of Footloose is a high-powered, exhilarating musical. With hit tunes right off the solid gold soundtrack such as “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Let's Hear it For the Boy,” and “Almost Paradise,” this is one show guaranteed to have you dancing in your seat! Teenage Ren moves from the big city to a very religious and small farming town. Things heat up when he insists the high school hold a dance. Footloose blends teenage rebellion, the wisdom of youth, and an explosion of good old-fashioned, down-home dance. FOOTLOOSE, the stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, is based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford. The musical features all the chart-topping music from the film ("Almost Paradise," "Holding Out For A Hero," "Let's Hear It For The Boy," etc.) mixed with new material written specifically for the stage musical. The score contains music and lyrics by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford, with additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman. The cast of FOOTLOOSE will be led by Steve Hazekemp(Bishop, Les Mis, Benny, Guys and Dolls) as Ren McCormack and Maureen Edwards (Eponine, Les Mis) as Ariel Moore. Also featured will be audience favorite Paul Gunderson ( Franz Liebkind,The Producers) as Reverend Shaw Moore, Kathy Johns as Vi Moore, Jennifer Bradley as Ethel McCormack, Dr. Rich Edwards as Principal Clark, Trevor Lee (Msr. Thenadier, Les Mis) as Willard, Samantha Reed as Rusty, Paul Spiotta( Mr. Marks, The Producers) as Cowboy Bob/Uncle Wes, Sydney Moag(Hold Me Touch Me, The Producers) as Wendy Joe , Erica Parker as Urleen and Alex Kieffer as Chuck Cranston (Angie the Ox, Guys and Dolls). The company of FOOTLOOSE also includes the roles of Lulu Warnicker: Linda Conroy, Coach Dunbar: Joe Buckley, Eleanor Dunbar: Meredith Smietana, Lyle: Nash Johns, Travis: Anthony Giambrone, Cop: Rich Conroy, Jeter: Blake Carter, Bickle: James Murphy, Garvin: Mark Knitter and Betty Blast: Peggy Marone. Also an ensemble consisting of: Elizabeth Barcomb, Hannah Cline, Rebecca D'Hilly, Andrea Gilebarto, Jacob Hoffman, Teresa Jackson, Chelsea Jensen, Hayley Jensen, Margaret Marchese, Brigid McCormack, Paige Misiti, and Fiona O'Connor. FOOTLOOSE will be Directed and Choreographed by Tara Kaczorowski (Ulla, The Producers, Sharpay Disney High School Musical) . The creative team also includes Musical Director, Eric Traugott and Jeff Fischer, Orchestra Director. Tickets go on sale Monday, April 16 at www.showtix4u.com (credit card) OR in person at Adam Miller's Toys and Bicycles, 8 Center Street Batavia, NY (cash or check only) or at the door one hour before show (cash or check only). $12 for Adults $10 for Students/Seniors (This musical is recommended for ages 12 and up.) For more info/questions, call 585-615-8893 or email [email protected], You can also visit at www.encoretheatrearts.com or find us on Facebook!