Independence Middle School will present its spring musical, “Footloose: Youth Edition,” with performances scheduled for March 5-7, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the IMS auditorium.
Tickets are $10 and are available through the district’s website.
“Footloose: Youth Edition” is a one-hour adaptation of the high-energy musical designed especially for young performers, bringing the beloved story and iconic score to the stage. The show follows Ren, a teenager who moves from Chicago to a small farming town where dancing has been banned by a strict local preacher, sparking conflict between generations and challenging the town’s rigid traditions. As Ren forms a bond with the preacher’s rebellious daughter and faces opposition from her jealous boyfriend and wary townspeople, the story reveals deeper themes of loss, understanding, and the need for connection between parents and children. Set to the Oscar- and Tony-nominated Top 40 hits from the chart-topping Footloose soundtrack, along with additional songs written for the stage, the musical celebrates the power of listening to young people and leading with empathy and open-mindedness.
Some of the lead roles include Jordan Chamberlin as Ren McCormack, Bria Lang as Ariel Moore, Corey Gordon as Willard Hewitt, Catherine Radinick as Rusty, and Matthew Lawton as Rev. Shaw Moore. Teachers Mrs. Tricia Quinque, Mr. Jeff Schilling, Ms. Nina Persi, and Mr. Todd Richert share the show’s directorial responsibilities.
Additional information, including ticket details, is available here.