Peekskill High School’s theater enthusiasts were enthralled with the production of the iconic musical “Footloose,” which hit the PHS stage on April 18, 2024. Directed by the talented team of Ms. Kiah Mahy (Director), Ms. Patricia Johnson (Assistant Director, Choreographer), Mr. Terry Sandler (Tech Director), Mr. Carlo Vidrini (Set Designer) and Ms. Laura Belfiore (Producer), the show was a dazzling display of talent and dedication from the school’s students.

Ms. Mahy’s journey into the world of theater began at a young age, as she fondly recalls, “I became interested in elementary school because I was very dramatic.” This early passion led her to pursue formal training, including a directing class during her Associates Degree in Performing Theater, and eventually earning a BA with a minor in theater. Now, she’s excited to share her love for the stage with her students at Peekskill High School.

Ms. Johnson,  assistant director and choreographer, was instrumental in the production’s success as well. With her empowering approach, she allows students to become the teachers, sharing their creativity and vision. This inclusive method ensures that every student’s voice is heard and valued, enriching the overall performance.

When it came to selecting this year’s production, the choice was clear. “The students overwhelmingly selected Footloose,” Ms. Mahy explains. “It’s a very big show, but I felt confident with this selection since we have talented students, cast, and crew, and they can do it.” Despite the complexity of the production, the team made the decision to keep the play unabridged, without scaling anything down.

When asked about the highlights of the production, Ms. Mahy nodded her head. “The students,” she shares. “I was most excited for the audience to experience their performances. They put an incredible amount of work into this–so much singing, acting, dancing.”

Alongside the impressive performances, the set pieces are also garnering attention. “The students do all the work along with Mr. Sandler, former teacher/director,” Ms. Mahy adds.

Beyond the spectacle of the production itself, Ms. Mahy emphasizes the educational benefits of participating in school theater. “The benefit of acting in plays is that it builds empathy in our students,” she explains. “They see things from the eyes of others, and this fosters community bonding in theater between students and teachers.” She notes that “everyone works closely towards the same goal, which is a rare experience in today’s world.”

If you missed your chance to witness the magic of “Footloose” brought to life by the talented students of Peekskill High School, do not fret, you can watch the video here!