Arts & Theater

Preview: North Allegheny High School rehearses 'Footloose'

McCANDLESS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — North Allegheny High School is performing “Footloose” this year.

Senior Michael Cefalo, who is playing Ren, is happy with the musical choice.

“It’s an amazing show with high energy, intensity and upbeat music,” said Cefalo.

Junior Marian Emanuelson is playing Ren’s love interest, Ariel.

“My character likes to have fun, but she has also been very hurt and sad since her brother’s death, so the hardest part of my role is finding a good balance between happy and sad,” said Emanuelson.

Cefalo and Emanuelson said their peers have challenging roles, too, and have been working hard.

“They’re all great people.  It’s so much fun to come to rehearsal every day,” said Emanuelson.

“It’s an amazing experience.  We’re all one big happy family and every rehearsal is another adventure for us,” said Cefalo.

Director Sarah McGraw is proud of the cast’s teamwork.

“My favorite thing about this year’s cast is their youth and enthusiasm,” she said.

Energetic Cefalo plans to pursue a musical theater career and has auditioned for several musical theater programs at universities.

“I’ve been involved in musical theater all my life.  I have training in voice, acting, tap, jazz and ballet.  Currently, I am a student of the Wexford Acting Studio,” he said.

Emauelson also plans to major in musical theater.

North Allegheny’s production of “Footloose” runs March 13-17.