Let's hear it for the boys (and girls) of 'Footloose'
Woodbridge H.S. brings the seminal '80s flick to the stage
BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY MIGUEL JUAREZ staff Above: Woodbridge High School students rehearse "Footloose" in the school auditorium on Friday, March 9. At right: Erin Fowler, "Rusty," and Toni D'Estefano, "Ariel Moore," rehearse a scene.

WOODBRIDGE - The cast of the student production of "Footloose" at the township high school are ready to make the 1,800 or so people who can fit in the auditorium want to put their dancing shoes on.

"The message of the story is universal," said Chris Bober, who plays the Rev. Shaw Moore.

The 17-year-old Bober, a junior, said he can somewhat relate to the 48-year-old man he portrays.

"I try to become the character, and it's great because we have a lot of similarities," said Bober. "My character faces a lot of inner struggles and has to stay strong for his family. He does admit that he makes mistakes. It's really heartfelt and sends out a good message."

Under the direction of teachers Beth Amory and Ricki Cohn, the 44-plus-member cast has been rehearsing for the production for the past two months, including weekends. The high school has only one production a year.

"Footloose," which is based on the 1984 movie, tells the story of Ren McCormick (played by junior Adrian Ferrer), a teenager who was raised in Chicago and moves to a small town where the town government has banned dancing. Ren and his classmates want to have a senior prom with music and dancing and must figure out a way to get around the law. The reverend has made it his mission in life to keep the town dance-free ever since his son died in a car accident six years earlier after going out clubbing.

Ferrer, who has been in plays since his freshman year, said he was surprised that he got the lead, but wanted the part either way.

"My character is rebellious," he said. "He's just a kid who tries to fit into another town, but doesn't agree with one law that bans dancing."

Erin Fowler, who is a senior, plays Rusty.

"My character is a very free spirit and has three best friends [Ariel, played by Toni D'Esterno; Wendy Jo, played by Lisa Steinberg; and Urleen, played by Steph Sciandra] in the play, and is sort of best friends with Willard Hewitt [played by Jared Freeman]," she said. "She is always happy."

Toni D'Esterno, who is a senior, plays Ariel Moore, daughter of the Rev. Shaw Moore.

"My character lost her brother in a car accident and in a way lost her father as well," she said. "My father and I always fight, and I become a bad girl and rebel. My character becomes close to Ren because we can relate, and we start hanging out more, and we both don't like the idea about not dancing."

The cast includes Kristina Boyar as stage manager, and Laura Brenner and Rachel LePore assistant stage managers, along with Maggie Griffin and Sofia Lopes as dance captains.

Bober's mother, Gail, said the whole crew works very well together and has a lot of fun.

"They spend a lot of time, but this experience for Chris has been more positive than anything," she said.

Debbie Caffarelli, whose daughter Alyssa, a sophomore, is in the ensemble, and Jan Sciandra, whose daughter Stephanie plays Urleen, said the Woodbridge High School puts on an amazing production.

"These students work hard," said Caffarelli. "They are here from the morning to sometimes 8 p.m., but I never hear a complaint. These are good students. Homework is done by 11:30 p.m. These kids support each other and are one big family."

Vito Mazza Salon Spa and Hair Restoration, located on Main Street in Woodbridge, offered their services to help the cast do their 1980s hairstyles.

"They have been a lot of help," said Amory. "They offered to supply hair products and volunteer the day of the productions."

Four performances are planned for March 22 through 25. Tickets are $8 in advance and can be purchased at the school's main office. Tickets will be $10 at the door. Call (732) 602-8600 for more information.