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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
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LV Academy gets ‘Footloose’

Published April 01. 2025 11:51AM
by Ed Courrier Special to the Bethlehem Press

The Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School cast brought unfettered footwork to the stage in “Footloose,” from March 29 – 30 at Nazareth Area MS.

With a love of music and dance, a Chicago teen and his mother relocate to a small farming town where dancing is illegal.

With music by Tom Snow, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, additional lyrics by Kenny Loggins and book by Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, the musical is based on the 1984 film of the same title that starred Kevin Bacon.

“Footloose” opened on Broadway in 1998, receiving seven Tony Award nominations.

Production numbers include “Somebody’s Eyes,” “I Need A Hero,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” “Mama Says” and “Footloose.”

The cast of the Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School production includes: Jalian Velez (Ren McCormack), Abrielle Miller (Ethel McCormack), Oliver Clements (Reverend Moore), Isabella Scheirer (Vi Moore), Aliya Rae Johnson (Ariel Moore), Jackeline Vargas Sanchez (Lulu Warnicker), Kai Glick (Wes Warnicker), Mya Heard (Rusty), Rolando Vargas-Sanchez (Willard Hewitt), Rain Dempsey (Chuck), Victoria Aponte-Jusino (Wendy Jo), Angelie Zakariya (Urleen), Robert Churetta (Coach Roger Dunbar), Katherine Seijas (Eleanor Dunbar), Angelika Hope Santana (Lyle), and Praisely Toledo (Travis).

Additional cast members include: Marina Sweitzer, Lily Westbrook, Michael Nova, Izabella Azen, Lynette Rivera, Yarielis Irizarry, Maryana Sirett-Arroyo, Lydia Witzel, Lyyli Duhigg, Britney Hernandez Batista, MJ Albertson, Genesis Gant, Ky’Ayanna Oranie, Julia Packer, Francesca Ponce, Lavendah Smith, Nicole Tomeski and Sir Clanks-a-Lot (Bomont Mascot).

Director-Producer Amanda Pascale was assisted by Choreographer Sarah Kistler, Music Director John Leiderman, Sound Technician Ziven Fichter, Sound Assisstant Mike Dempsey, Stage Manager Natasha Catino, Lighting Technicians Lauren Van Thiel and Jacob Kremer, with Set Design and Construction by Matt Churetta.

The Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School is located at 2040 Avenue C, Bethlehem.

Aliya Rae Johnson plays Ariel Moore in the “Footloose” Spring Musical and sang “Holding Out for a Hero” along with several more selections with cast mates.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LORI PATRICKRealizing he can dance after all, Mya Heard as Rusty (left) is surprised when Rolando Vargas-Sanchez as Willard (right) comes out to strut his stuff to the song, “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.”
Aliya Rae Johnson as Ariel Moore has an argument with her father over concerns for her well-being as he raises his hand in frustration. Reverend Moore is played by Oliver Clements. Her mother, standing to the right, is Isabella Scheirer performing as Vi Moore.
Presiding over the decision to allow dancing in the community is Judge Eleanor Dunbar, played by Katherine Seijas. The judgment went against the idea that dance would be allowed. Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School presented “Footloose” directed by Amanda Pascale.
The cast ensemble are dressed for a party as they celebrate the overturning of the decision for no dancing with Reverend Moore’s blessing. Leading the finale song “Footloose” is Ren McCormick played by Jalian Velez. Kevin Bacon played the character in the movie.