Photo Flash: First Look at NSMT's FOOTLOOSE!

The award-winning North Shore Music Theatre continues its 2011 season with the high-energy dance musical, FOOTLOOSE, playing through Sunday, August 28. Press night is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. Check out photos from the production below!

"Footloose is the perfect summer musical. It is packed with high-spirited dancing, eye-popping vintage ‘80s costumes 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 NSMT's owner and producer, Bill Hanney. "Director Mark Martino and choreographer Vince Pesche have assembled an outstanding cast of talented young performers, and I am especially happy to be welcoming George Dvorsky back to the NSMT stage. As we said in the ‘80s, it's going to be ‘totally awesome!'"

Inspired by the wildly popular 1984 movie, FOOTLOOSE thrilled Broadway audiences for nearly two years. It's a story of American spirit - a carefree city kid transplanted to a conservative rural town where rock 'n roll and dancing are forbidden, who takes on the authorities, makes all the right moves, and wins the girl.

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 John Jeffrey Martin (Broadway's Hairspray, Rocky Horror Show and Good Vibrations) as Ren McCormack and Chelsea Morgan Stock (Broadway's The Little Mermaid and Baby Its You!) as Ariel Moore. Also featured will be long time NSMT audience favorite George Dvorsky as Reverend Shaw Moore, Maureen Brennan as Vi Moore, Marci Reid as Ethel McCormack, Stephen Berger as Principal Clark, Matthew Dorsey as Willard, Gwen Hollander as Rusty, Gary Lynch as Uncle Wes/Cowboy Bob, Marissa Rosen as Wendy Joe and Sean Watkins as Chuck Cranston.

The company of FOOTLOOSE also includes Meredith Akins as Tammy, Steven Boyd Baker as Lyle, Garrett Broadwell as Garvin, Andrea Collier as Urlean, Katharine Heaton as Eleanor Dunbar, Erin Mary Henry as Belinda, AJ Hughes as Bickle, Jen Jenkins as Aunt Lulu/Betty Blast, Kara Kimmer as Ruthann, Nathan Thomas Madden as Jeter, Joe Moeller as Travis and Terry Moore as Coach Dunbar.

FOOTLOOSE will be directed by Mark Martino (NSMT's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, A Chorus Line), with choreography by Vince Pesce. The creative team also includes Musical Director Eric Alsford, Scenic Designer Michael Schweikardt, Costume Designer Jose Rivera, Lighting Designer Chris Chambers, and Sound Designer James McCartney, Production Stage Manager Natalie A. Lynch, Assistant Musical Director James Olmstead and Assistant Stage Manager Maggie Kayes.

Tickets for FOOTLOOSE are priced from $35 - $65. Performances are August 16 - August 28, Tue - Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat at 8 pm, matinees Wed, Sat and Sun at 2 pm. For tickets and information call (978) 232-7200 , visit www.nsmt.org, or visit the box office in person at 62 Dunham Rd. Beverly. 3- Show Trio Packages are available to purchase. FOOTLOOSE is produced in association with The Cape Playhouse, Dennis, MA.

Photo Flash: Paul Lyden