When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

When:

• Friday, May 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
• Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: NTPA Dallas Rehearsal Studios - 12300 Inwood Rd #112, Dallas, TX 75244

Directions: Google Maps to Event Venue Apple Maps to Event Venue

Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman

Creative Director: Nick Mann
Director: Nick Mann

Callbacks: Sunday, June 15th 6:30 PM-10:00 PM

• 1 minute or 32-bar cut of a musical theatre song.
• Please be prepared to sing the entire song if asked.
• Please bring your accompaniment track on a device.
• Sign Up for an Audition Slot
• Fill Out the Audition Form

Rehearsals

• Mondays - Thursdays 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM beginning June 23rd
• Saturdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Tech Week: July 28th - July 31st

Performances

NTPA Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre, 6121 W. Park Blvd. B216, Plano, TX 75093

*ASL Performance

• Friday, August 1, 7:30 PM
• Saturday, August 2, 2:30 PM*
• Saturday, August 2, 7:30 PM
• Sunday, August 3, 2:30 PM
• Thursday, August 7, 7:30 PM
• Friday, August 8, 7:30 PM
• Saturday, August 9, 2:30 PM
• Saturday, August 9, 7:30 PM
• Sunday, August 10, 2:30 PM

Available Roles

Ren McCormack
Lead
Male
18 - 25
Tenor

Energetic, emotional, rebellious, likeable; emotes his pain through quirky sarcasm and dance; strong dancer.

Reverend Shaw Moore
Lead
Male
35 - 55
Baritone

The powerful, traditional local church leader; strict, stern, and solemn, still struggling with the death of his son.

Ariel Moore
Lead
Female
18 - 25
Mezzo-Pop

Smart, a bit of the bad girl with an edge, sweet, the rebellious minister’s daughter; role requires strong belt, must be a strong singer/dancer.

Vi Moore
Supporting
Female
30 - 50
Soprano

Reverend Moore’s loving, supportive, resilient wife.

Rusty
Supporting
Female
18 - 25
Great soprano / pop voice

Ariel’s friend; a bit scatterbrained, sweet, fun, knows everything about everything; role requires strong belt, strong comedic timing and dance.

Willard Hewitt
Supporting
Male
18 - 25
Tenor

A simple country bumpkin with a warm heart and a big smile; comedic timing and dance a must.

Ethel McCormack
Supporting
Female
35 - 45
Soprano

Ren’s mother; had a tough go, just trying to make it...would do anything for her son.

Chuck Cranston
Supporting
Male
18 - 25
Tenor

The local bad boy and Ariel’s boyfriend.

Urleen
Supporting
Female
18+
Mezzo / Alto

Ariel’s friend; the smart one of the group; role requires strong belt, comedic timing, and dance.

Wendy Jo
Supporting
Female
18 - 25
Mezzo

Ariel’s friend; strong belt, comedic timing, and dance required.

Ensemble (Chorus / Ensemble)
Males & Females
18 - 70

Townspeople, students; need strong character people (all age ranges) for many roles (listed below); teenage through adults; chorus singing, dancing parts; all teens dance, all adults dance at the prom.

• Lulu Warnicker – Ren’s aunt
• Wes Warnicker – Lulu’s husband
• Coach Roger Dunbar – Gym teacher
• Eleanor Dunbar – Roger’s Wife
• Lyle – Chuck’s buddy
• Travis – Chuck’s buddy
• Principal Harry Clark
• Betty Blast – Owner of the Burger Blast
• Jeter – Ren’s friend
• Bickle – Ren’s friend
• Garvin – Ren’s friend
• Cowboy Bob / Cop
• High School Students