CATE'S SPOTLIGHT: Everybody Cut Loose … 'FOOTLOOSE'

“The VJM Mother Maria Performing Arts Center is so much more than a building; within its walls lives incredible promise and limitless potential for our young women,” confirmed Villa Joseph Marie High School Performing Arts Administrator / Fine Arts Department Chair, Melissa Holdren.

The VJM students experience “21st century learning” head on; an educational future that is rigorous, relevant, rooted in faith, and overflowing in boundless opportunity.

The Fine Arts Department at Villa Joseph Marie offers a growing, cohesive program that encourages interdisciplinary communication among its faculty, and exposes students to all of the creative arts disciplines. Through the VJM Drama curriculum, students are exposed to the basics of theater and a sampling of acting, improvising, script-writing, production, and technical work.

The PAC’s state-of-the art, 600-seat auditorium stage is set for the Villa Joseph Marie Dramatic Society’s musicians and dancers and actors and chorus for their production of “Footloose”.
“Footloose” is a celebration of youth, community, and the power of music.

Mark your calendars!
Thursday, November 13, 2025 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 14, 2025 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2025 ~ 2:00 p.m.

“On its stage, our students experience a sense of empowerment as never before. At a time when schools throughout the country are slashing the budgets for art programs, our school is recognizing the value of a true STEAM education in the formation of the whole person,” shared Mrs. Holdren.

Now is the perfect time to be part of the captive audience that gets to witnesses the vibrant experience and little details with the element of unpredictability in the students’ theatre performances that clearly mesmerize in an intimate and relatable way.
“Footloose” is an epic tale of love, family, and above all- dance; an electrifying story of teenage rebellion and the transformative power of dance.

The JEMS’ stage performances have a certain way of bridging the gap between the performer and the viewer. All the elements of the theatre – actors, sets, props, costumes, etc. all work together to bring audiences into their world. The fledgling thespians are in control and having fun while they flex their drama muscles. It’s a magical experience!

Let’s dance….. dancing is NOT a crime.

So what are you waiting for? Buy your tickets!
“…..Grab a seat ……Check it out”

Students – $15.00 + $2.08 in fees

Adults – $20.00 + $2.25 in fees

Tickets: https://cur8.com/16724/project/134450

Villa Joseph Marie’s “Footloose”, based on the beloved 1984 American musical comedy-drama classic, is incredibly infused with toe-tapping energy, jumping with spirit and dazzling dance numbers. The multi-talented student stars keep the story fresh for a new generation audience.

Set in a small, conservative town community where rock is frowned upon and dancing is forbidden, the highly charged dancing sequences are choreographed by the enthusiastic Gianella Puccini ’24, accompanied by VJM Choral/Vocal Director, also the play’s music director, Maura E. McFadden, BMus ‘16’s quick pacing and powerful music.
One can easily get lost in this all-ages confection!

Directing any play can be a tricky thing but fortunately for Melissa Holdren, she truly finds herself surrounded by accomplished VJM staff and academically focused students like the assistant director, Sophia Caruso ‘26 who possess almost unparalleled raw talent.

Stage managers, Caitlyn M. McCarthy ‘27 and Jasmine Gilchrist ’28, and light board operator, Lucy E. Jasionis ‘27 ready the areas for the “Footloose” cast; a great way to learn and develop leadership skills! They are the glue that holds the show together.

Meet some of the very talented, accomplished “Footloose” friends:

Senior Grace Holdren, planning to pursue a speech pathology major in college, and Junior Allison “Alli” Toth split the lead performances of Ariel Moore, the rebellious minister’s daughter, playing the key role in challenging the town’s ban on dancing.

XC athlete, Madeline Heine ‘26 is playing Rusty, the best friend of the lead Ariel, a fun loving girl trying to get the shy Willard’s attention. Maddie sang in the choir in grade school and at school masses and she plans on performing in the winter cabaret.

This is Jane K. File ’27’s third play performance and she will portray Wendy Jo, Ariel’s friend.
“I sing in my church choir.” She earned all-Catholic Chorus *ranked 1st chair for Alto 1.

Frosh swimmer/ VJM legacy student, Jocelyn Ulrich loves to sing Broadway tunes and she is a member of the Choral Ensemble.

Now…. “Let’s hear it for the boys”……

HGP Soccer/ volleyball athlete, Sean Boedewig ’26, and varsity ultimate Frisbee athlete, Zachary “Zak” Huot ’27 will share star role as city-boy Ren McCormack who seems to attract trouble.
This is Sean’s 7th VJM play. “They were all great but this one is the best so far. Such a great experience and the practices are fun!” This is Zak’s first VJM play and he really enjoys it.

“Let’s give the boy a hand….”

Wrestler/ Hawk Eye newspaper editor, Jackson “Jack” Wisniewski, St. Joe’s Prep ‘26 plays Bickel. Formerly lighting & stage crew, this is his first acting part in a play.
“I saw a VJM Instagram post and thought I’d give it a try!”

Reserve your tickets for Villa Joseph Marie’s “Footloose” production.
Give into it and let “Footloose” take a hold of your soul.

Villa Joseph Marie
1180 Holland Road
Holland, PA 18966
215.357.8810
www.vjmhs.org

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