November 12, 2026 by Ally Donnelly (photos by Joshua Ross)
“Let’s hear it for the boy,” and all of the student actors in the musical Footloose at Hingham High School starting Thursday.
The stage production was inspired by the classic 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, and John Lithgow which was inspired by a true story in Elmore City, Oklahoma. Dancing had been banned since the town’s founding in 1898. After more than 80 years of prohibition, local high school students successfully campaigned the town to let them have a prom, arguing that the ban no longer reflected their community.
HHS Senior Graeme Baker, who plays Ren McCormack, admitted he knew of Footloose the movie, but had never seen it. He’s putting his own twist on the role of Ren and the music that rocks the stage.
“My favorite musical number is ‘Holding Out for a Hero,’ he said. “It’s such an iconic powerhouse belt and really gets the energy of the show moving in Act One. I’ve really enjoyed reconnecting with (Musical Director Christopher Landis) on this production.
HHS Junior Reese Warshaw, who plays the preacher’s defiant daughter, got a big reaction from here parents when she told them what the Fall musical was going to be, “My parents are absolutely psyched!” she said. “It’s one of their favorite movies. To know their daughter was going to be in it live made them ecstatic.” Her favorite number is “Still Rockin’” too. “The number is such a fun dancing number and I love getting to let loose and have fun on stage,” she said. “It really sets the mood for the show.”
While the show is packed with iconic 1980s hits and big dance numbers, its heart lies in themes that still resonate: grief, healing, individuality, and teenagers making their place in a world that sometimes feels stacked against them.
Said Hingham High Drama Director Maureen Fish, “We strive to give our students variety in the material we bring. Last year’s The Drowsy Chaperone was a parody of the golden-age musical. The sound and style of Footloose is completely different: iconic 80s pop tunes! It has been a pendulum swing that is stretching the students’ vocal work and also their dance skills. They are doing a great job tackling the challenges of both.” Fish said she sees her students in the characters they play, “Each generation strives to define their place in the world. A little revolution against the status quo helps widen the world’s view. I can’t think of a teenager who couldn’t connect with that feeling, but particularly our HHS Drama Club students. They have a real heart for inclusivity and making their space, and the world, a safe place to be your most authentic self. I’m proud to work with them.”
Warshaw agrees, saying the role of Ariel has pushed her in unexpected ways, “I think a really challenging part about playing this role was getting comfortable with scene partners I hadn’t known before. Ariel has a couple of love interests and a dynamic and complex relationship with her parents. Navigating all those relationships was tricky, but it helped strengthen or make friendships within the drama club.”
Student Director and HHS senior Octavia Atkins has had a front-row seat to the production’s growth from first rehearsals to dress. “It never gets any less magical the more times I see it,” she said. From the scenes to the musical numbers, these actors do an incredible job of delivering the power, emotions, and humor of their scenes.”
For choreographer Brandy Nickerson, helping students tackle one of musical theater’s most dance-heavy shows has been a treat. “I have loved every minute of choreographing this show,” she said. “The opening, with the full cast and the energy that it brings, is the best. It’s been so much fun getting to bring these numbers to life, and I especially love the unexpected surprise in the beginning of ‘Hero’ and the fun, high-energy feel of ‘Still Rockin’.”
Student director Atkins also highlighted the tremendous effort behind the scenes. “Footloose is a deceptively difficult show to put on,” she said. “And I know everyone involved has been giving 110% to make it happen. From learning boatloads of choreography to constructing our beautiful set, it has been a full team effort, and watching it come together has been absolutely wonderful.”
“The work I am seeing from our student designers is really inspiring,” said Director Fish. The set design by senior Charlotte Le Clair is beautiful. I told her I wanted the set design to feel like somebody’s eyes are watching at all times, as so much of the plot is about peering into the lives of others and making judgments. As the story takes place in Bomont, Oklahoma, her idea of a drafty old barn is pitch perfect for the world of the show. Our makeup designers, Ciara McGuinness and Lena Angel, and costume designers, Griffin Blidner and Kimya Howell, have been researching 1980s fashion and makeup and hair. The students are really getting specific with their choices. We hope that if you happen to remember the mid-80s, you’re seeing details that are wild and fun, but also rooted in accuracy.”
And yes, the production is fully embracing the spirit of an iconic 1980s movie musical Fish said. “I’m loving the way our actors are leaning into the ‘cheese factor’ of a script pulled from an 80s movie. Sometimes the students groan at the cringe of this line or that, but what is a film like Footloose without it?”
Baker agreed, “If you’re a fan of the movie or love catchy songs and energetic dance numbers, then be sure to grab a ticket for the show.”
Tickets are going fast. The musical is being performed at the high school which holds fewer people than the Middle School so don’t delay! Shows run Thursday through Saturday night. https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/hingham-high-school/6ac889175bcf8ef19492e3cf/tickets#/productions-view
You can view more photos by Joshua Ross via the slideshow below:
