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Audiences gathered in the BHS gymnasium Friday and Saturday evening to catch a performance of “Footloose” by the BHS drama team. This was the first full-length show performed by the team, with production only just beginning after spring break.

According to drama teacher Leigh Powell, this production faced several obstacles, with Powell herself having to miss some rehearsals due to a family tragedy. But the largest problem was with locations. “The challenge with this show was that we couldn’t perform in our usual spaces,” Powell said. “The Coliseum was being used for end of the year school events for BMS, and the Kirbo Center was used for graduation and pinning ceremonies.”

Powell stated that they ultimately had to find solutions for the problems of practicing in the gymnasium, the main concern being whether the students could be seen and heard in the gym. “We utilized equipment and the help of Mr. Sewell and Mr. Parker for our sound needs, and we also used lighting from equipment my husband and I used when we used to play in a band together,” she said.

The show raised over $2,000 in profit, with some of the money going to help students on the drama team’s trip to New York City next year, and the rest going to purchase the necessary rights for the team’s next show script. According to Powell, the public reception “has been nothing but positive.”

“I have had several community members comment on how they like the variety of shows performed by our Drama troupe this year,” she said. “I would personally like to thank our sponsors, and especially all of my ‘friends’ for helping me at the last minute and finding solutions when I needed them. I am amazed at the support that our students receive from our community, and we are very appreciative of it.”

The show featured a talented cast of familiar faces and newcomers.

Senior Willie Ray took the lead role of Ren McCormack, while Ashariah Keaton took the opposing lead role of Ariel Moore. Shayla Allen and John Ingram played Ariel’s parents, Vi and Rev. Shaw Moore.

Playing Ariel’s best friend, Rusty was Sariyah Porter and playing Ariel’s volatile ex-boyfriend, Chuck Cranston was Kendrick Henry.

Eli Logue played the lovable friend to all, Willard Hewitt, while Isabelle Campbell and Dominick Rosario played Ren’s aunt and uncle, Lulu and Wes Warnicker.

Other cast members included, Teri McCord, Ashley McClanahan, Emily Franke, Antonio Cooper, Cooper Genovar, Jaqavious Wallace, Mauro Padron, Maverick Birdsong, Holten Dollar, Mina Dean, Anthony Allen, Sanaa’ Hines, Nourah Holt, JT Powell, Dorien Drew and Akevia Daniels.