Young Players presentation of ‘Footloose’ staged tonight

The Young Players are getting “Footloose” this weekend at the historic Royal Theater in Benton.

The Young Players Second Stage group will bring to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tonight the play version of the hit movie, “Footloose.” The film first burst onto the silver screen in 1984 and proved to be one of the year’s most successful motion pictures. The soundtrack recording reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts, and went on to sell over 17 million copies worldwide, generating such Top 40 hits as its title song and “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” (both of which received Academy Award nominations), plus “Almost Paradise,” “Holding Out For A Hero,” and “I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man).”

With a screenplay and lyrics by Oscar winner Dean Pitchford, the story focused on young people, much like his previous, and wildly successful movie musical “Fame.”

“Footloose” the play opened on Broadway on Oct. 22, 1998. The next day, the show broke the box office record for the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where it continued to thrill audiences through July 2000.

The Young Players will stage the production tonight and again at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. There is also a 2:30 p.m. Mantinee on Sunday.

If you don’t make it to a performance this weekend, “Footloose” will return next weekend at the same times.

The Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 performances will feature understudies in the roles of Ren, Willard, Ariel, Rusty, Wendy Jo, and Urleen.

This show is designated as assigned seating. Please check your seating assignment before completing your purchase. For handicapped or special needs seating, please call 501-315-5483.

Ticket prices are $18 General; $15 Seniors 60-plus, members of the military, and college students with valid ID; $8 Grade 12th and below.

Tickets may be purchased at Theroyalplayers.ticketleap. com. The box office will open at 6:30 p.m. on performance dates and the house will open approximately 15 to 20 minutes prior to curtain. Box Office opens at 1:30 p.m. on matinee days.

Royal Theatre officials recommend that tickets be purchased in advance, as they cannot guarantee availability at the door.

The performance is sponsored by Arvest Bank.