Get ready to cut loose: The Dolphin Show is bringing the musical “Footloose” to Cahn Auditorium for its 83rd annual production in January. The nation’s largest student-produced musical is aiming to bring high-energy choreography, a wave of ’80s nostalgia and a story of self-expression to the Evanston community. 

Director Katherine Horton said she remembers sitting in Cahn as a freshman, feeling inspired by the Dolphin Show’s production of “Matilda.” That experience motivated her to apply to direct this year’s team of over 150 members. 

“What is so exciting about taking something that’s a classic is that we get to make it our own, especially right now when things are crazy in the world,” Horton said.

“Footloose,” based on the 1984 movie, follows Ren, a Chicago teenager who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned by the local minister, Reverend Shaw Moore. Fun-loving and rebellious, Ren challenges the strict rules of the town while falling for the minister’s daughter, Ariel Moore. The themes of grief, community and self-expression are central to the story — all of which Horton said remain present in her fresh take on this classic.

Horton said she hopes audiences will connect with the power of young voices. She said she wants to emphasize the idea of creating change in your own community, a message that is reflected in the characters. 

Communication senior Sarah Novak plays Vi, Ariel Moore’s mother. Novak said she is excited about the opportunity to portray such a dynamic character and deliver a powerful message about being open-minded.

“Vi is very pragmatic but incredibly empathetic, which is gratifying to play as an actor,” Novak said. “She’s a character with power in her own right. Often, women in theater are portrayed as either naive with no power or older with their power taken away. Getting to portray Vi in a big space in the Northwestern community is a real honor.” 

While the cast and creative team bring “Footloose” to life on stage, Business Producer Aiden Kaliner works behind the scenes to connect the production with the Evanston community. Kaliner said he focuses on building excitement for the show through partnerships with local organizations and businesses. 

One of their signature efforts, Restaurant Week, invites residents to purchase a ticket to the show and receive discounts at participating restaurants when they present it. 

Kaliner said these partnerships function as more than just promotions, but also seek to strengthen community support for The Dolphin Show. He said this promotional angle serves a two-fold strategy to garner the biggest possible audience. 

 “It’s nice to meet and get to know our audience members in the community,” Kaliner said.

Horton said the show invites audience members from Northwestern and Evanston to “cut loose” with the recognizable tunes and high-energy dance numbers that will leave people dancing in their seats.

The Dolphin Show’s 83rd annual production opens Jan. 23 at Cahn. Tickets are on sale until the day of the show and performances will run until Jan. 31. 

Email: [email protected] 

Related Stories:

— By the Numbers: Splashing through the history of The Dolphin Show

— Diving into the Dolphin Show, the largest student-produced musical in the country

— Dolphin Show’s ‘Cinderella’ is the fairytale escape we all need