March 8, 2025 — Clovis West High School’s Theatre West captivated hundreds of Clovis residents with their latest production of ‘Footloose: The Musical’ at the Mercedes Edwards Theater.
Running from February 27 to March 8, the well-loved musical drew in families, friends, Clovis Unified students and faculty, and local residents, who filled the parking around Clark Intermediate School eagerly awaiting each performance.
On closing night, programs featuring cast and crew details, donors, and other information were in high demand, adding to the pre-show excitement as attendees discussed their support for the theater members and their expectations for the evening.
As the theater lights dimmed, the audience was greeted by the familiar strains of ‘Footloose,’ setting the stage for Dominic Parlavecchio’s charismatic portrayal of Ren McCormack. Ren, a rebellious teen newly arrived in the conservative town of Bomont with his mother, discovers that dancing has been banned by the local community.
In impactful numbers like ‘Somebody’s Eyes’ and ‘Learning To Be Silent,’ the audience witnessed Ren’s struggle to fit in and the challenges faced by mothers Ethel McCormack and Vi Moore, portrayed with emotional depth by seniors Em Monson and Audrey Allen respectively.
Audrey Allen’s rendition of Vi Moore, wife of the stern Reverend Moore, particularly resonated with the audience, as did Em Monson’s heartfelt performance as Ren’s mother Ethel.
Despite its broad appeal, the production showcased a depth and complexity that elevated it beyond the ordinary. Energetic performances of ‘Still Rockin’’ and ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’ after a brief intermission kept the audience engaged.
Ren’s blossoming relationship with the Reverend’s spirited daughter Ariel, played by senior Jordan Paramo, culminated in the touching ballad ‘Almost Paradise,’ where their harmonies captivated the audience with lines like ‘I faced the night alone / Oh, how could I have known / That all my life I only needed you?’
However, the most poignant moment arrived when Ren confronts Reverend Shaw Moore (Jackson Bowman), pleading for the restoration of dancing in Bomont. Despite his grief over a past tragedy related to dancing, Shaw’s heart begins to soften as Ren shares his own painful experiences.
In the soul-stirring ‘I Confess,’ Bowman portrayed Moore’s deep remorse and grief, touching the hearts of everyone in the theater with lines like ‘Can my God forgive / The things I have done / While I’ve tried forgetting how much I’m still / Missing my son?’
As the musical concluded, Moore’s decision to allow a school dance marked a hopeful turn, leading to an energetic finale. The entire cast returned to the stage for a spirited reprise of ‘Footloose,’ filling the theater with energy and vibrant prom dresses.
‘Tonight I gotta cut loose / Footloose / Kick off your Sunday shoes,’ the ensemble sang with infectious enthusiasm, prompting a standing ovation from the audience. Families and friends stood applauding, showing their appreciation as the cast took their bows and exited the stage.
Outside the theater, excited conversations filled the air as attendees congratulated the cast and crew, eagerly discussing future productions. Praised for its energy and the talent of its performers, ‘Footloose: The Musical’ left a lasting impression on all who attended.”