The Thurmont Thespians Closes its Final Season with a 1980s-themed Musical
The Thurmont Thespians, a local theater company based in Thurmont, will mount its final show, Footloose, at the Thurmont American Legion, ending its three-shows-a-season format after eighteen years of local productions. The musical is based off of the 1984 movie, Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon, and features some of the most iconic songs from the 1980s, including “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler and “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins.
The Thurmont Thespians performed their first show, He Lived a Good Life, in 1998, under the direction of the foundress, Beth Watson. Watson and her husband, Spence, started the Thurmont Thespians to give local youth and adults the opportunity to participate in all stages of theater, from performance, to set design, to fundraising.
“We want the kids to really know what it takes to put on a show—how much work there is going on behind the scenes,” said Watson.
The Thespians selected Footloose as its final show for its great music and upbeat spirit. “It’s going to be bittersweet, saying goodbye to a group that influenced not only me, but countless other local children,” said Rosalyn Smaldone, a 2016 graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s University and the director of the show.
Bridey Puvel and Dan Miller, both of Thurmont, star as the leads in the show. Puvel is studying Music Therapy at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. Miller is a sophomore at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. Both expressed sorrow that the theater company is closing, but also excitement for the show. “I’ve loved being a member of the Thespians. We are putting our best efforts forward to have a great last show,” expressed Puvel.
Footloose will be performed at the Thurmont American Legion on the following dates and times: July 21-23 and July 28-30, at 7:30 p.m.; July 24 and 31 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 and can be reserved in advance or purchased at the door. The Legion is located at 8 Park Lane in Thurmont. Call 301-271-7613 for tickets. View the advertisement on page 15.
The Thurmont Thespians cast of Footloose- Back row (left to right): Rachel Johnson, Veronica Smaldone, Nathan Kopit, Daniel Miller, Sean Miller, Elijah Miller, Evelyn Pecher, Alissa Zentz, Adrianna Bussey; Second row (left to right): Mallory Donaghue, Samantha Nigida, Nicholas Miller, Maddi Tatum, Addison Eyler, Faith Davis, Sara Street, Tara O’Donnell; Third row (left to right): Isabella Scott, Daniel Puckett, Sammy Royer, Katelin Pinnell, Erin Kopit, Karsyn Shugars, Annabelle Perry.