Jordan Christian, playing lead character Ariel Moore, sings “The Girl Gets Around.” From left, Blake Gilman, playing Travis; Isaac Lazenby, playing Chuck Cranston; and Steph Johnson, playing Lyle, look on. Performances for the high-energy musical “Footloose,” directed by Denise Clark and produced by IHS Choral instructor Sheila Grazulis, are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and are available at the IHS office or at the door. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

ISHPEMING — “Been working so hard, I’m punching my card,” the first line in the title song of “Footloose,” the musical rings true for the cast and crew of Ishpeming High School’s upcoming production of the show.

“These are some very hard-working and talented kids,” Director Denise Clark said. “We only had six weeks to prepare. One of those was spring break, and we didn’t rehearse at all. This is a huge undertaking with a lot of choreography. Everybody really stepped up.”

“Footloose,” the story of a high school student named Ren McCormack who moved from the big city of Chicago to the small town of Bomont.

While struggling to adjust to life in the small farming town, Ren, played by Griffin Pepin, learns dancing is outlawed.

After uncovering the reason why, Ren, works to convince the town council to change the law.

The musical is peppered with songs that topped Billboard’s Top 40 hits in the 1980s, like “Almost Paradise,” “Holding out for a Hero,” and of course the title track.

The story of “Footloose” celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, and learning from tragedy rather than being driven by it.

“Footloose” provides a much different kind of energy for Pepin, who said he has always enjoyed performing in theatre.

“Everyone is really into it this year,” Pepin said. “They all want to be here. Which has been, unlike most shows. It’s just refreshing to be around a cast that is that into it and that excited to perform for people.”

Pepin said the excitement felt by the 46 member cast is, in part, due to the direction of Clark as well as the musical guidance of IHS choir teacher and producer Sheila Grazulis.

“This is my third show with them and they have done a great job here,” Pepin said. “They make it fun for everybody to be here — you want to come to rehearsal when they are here.”

Clark said the work of choreographer Jill Grundstrom was a crucial part of creating a high energy production.

“There is a lot of dancing in this show, and not a lot of time to learn it,” Clark said. “Jill does an amazing job.”

Jordan Christian, who plays Ariel, the female lead in “Footloose” said she waits for the show every year.

“It’s my favorite time of year,” Christian said. “And every year the cast just becomes this family. A lot of people who might not have the best family life at home can come here — the play is almost a family.”

The cast of “Footloose” will take the stage in Peterson Auditorium three times this weekend, starting with an opening night performance at 7 p.m. Friday, a second performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, with the final performance at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets available at IHS office and at the door: adults $10 and students $5.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.