Port Arthur Little Theater will present the musical “Footloose” for the next three weekends beginning Friday, Feb. 19.

The local production culminates eight weeks of rehearsals from a cast of mainly teens predominately from the Mid-County area.

Adapted from the 1984 movie featuring Kevin Bacon, this PALT production will bring the same energy to the stage as the original film, while providing a strong moral message.

“I am old enough that I remember when the first “Footloose” movie came out. I remember thinking I just want to go somewhere and dance. I hope they leave the theater here and think ‘I just want to go out and have fun,’” Debbie Pletcher, director of the PALT production said.

“Footloose” is set in a small town, and tells the story of Ren McCormack, an upbeat teen who moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont to live with his aunt and uncle, where he discovers dancing and rock music have been banned from the efforts of a local minister.

Not long after moving to Bomont, Ren befriends a rebellious teenage girl named Ariel. Not only does Ariel have an abusive boyfriend named Chuck, her father, Shaw Moore, it turns out is minister of a local church, and is responsible for the prohibition of dancing and rock music.

Tension soon develops between Ren and Chuck, and the Rev., because of his distrust for the Ren, forbids Ariel to see the newcomer in town.

The play depicts Bomont’s young people’s struggle to do away with the no dancing law, and have a prom. In the process, moral lessons are learned in Bomont.

The lead characters in PALT’s production of the renowned musical are double cast, Pletcher said.

“During tryouts it was just phenomenal, the amount to talent was unbelievable,” Pletcher said. “We did not know how to choose, so decided to double cast.”

Cast A starts the production Friday night with Joshua McCrea, of Port Arthur, playing Ren; Renata Griggs, of Nederland, playing Ariel; and Gannon Miller, of Nederland, playing the Rev. Moore.

Cast B members are Jason Blevins, of Nederland as Ren; Resa Pletcher, of Nederland as Ariel and Miller reprising his role as the Rev. Moore. The two casts alternate nights.

Though Pletcher said she did encounter some challenges with the two casts — “you always have teen drama in teen drama” — neither cast is better than the other.

“Both are equal in their talents,” she said.

The production runs for three weekends on Feb. 19-21, Feb. 26-28, and on March 4-6.

Each Friday and Saturday performance starts at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances are scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $14 for adults. Tickets for senior citizens, active duty military men and women and teachers are $12. Student tickets are $10. Cash or check only at the door. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.PALT.org. Patrons are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before show time in order to guarantee reservations. Reservations can be made by calling the PALT reservation line at 727-PALT (7258.) The theater is located at 4701 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, ear the corner of Twin City Hwy.

Other weekend events:

• Mid-County Madness 5K Run to benefit Nederland and Port Neches-Groves high schools Project Graduation, 8 a.m., Feb. 20, Port Neches Riverfront Park, Port Neches. Registration fee is $25. For more information, go to www.thedriven.net/midcountymadness
• 15th annual “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs,” 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, Doornbos Park in Nederland. Free to youth ages 14 and under. Pre-register beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Doornbos Park Recreation Center. Prizes awarded. Texas Parks and Wildlife will stock pond. For more information call Debbie Spittler at 409-727-2014.
• Cajun French Music Association of Louisiana Golden Triangle Chapter will have a Sweetheart Dance from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 6621 W. Port Arthur Road. Music by Ken Marvel and Swamp Rock. The KofC will prepare food to sell. BYOB. Admission $10, 12 and under free. More information, Jerry Bellot, 626-1766.
• Hebert Public Library, “Teen Board Game Night” onSaturday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m.at 2025 Merriman St. in Port Neches. Teens (grades 6-12) are invited to the library for board games and pizza! Free and open to all.
• Guys and Dolls Spicy Meatballs Dinner Show featuring Spirit of SETX Chorus with Harmony Exporters, Feb. 20 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church Family Life Center, 2711 Helena Ave., Nederland. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. Come early to bid on silent auction and bake sale items. Advance tickets are $12; after Feb. 7 they will be $20. Table reservations are available. For more information call darlinelejeune@gmail.com.
• A Gathering for a Musical Tribute and Celebration of saxophonist Dale Gothia, Sunday afternoon, Feb. 21, Jefferson County Singles Dance Hall. Hosted by G.G. Shinn & Ken Marvel’s “Swamp Rock.”