The International School of Nice (ISN) electrified audiences recently with its fantastic spin on Footloose. From the opening note, the international school’s talented cast seized the stage and never loosened their grip, delivering a high-octane performance that rivalled the adrenaline of the original 1984 film.
The movie, which made Kevin Bacon a star, follows city kid Ren McCormack as he defies a small US town’s ban on dancing. Thousands of kilometres away, on the French Riviera, ISN’s musical channelled that same rebellious energy – youngsters fighting for joy and freedom – while adding contemporary twists that made the story feel fresh and urgent.
Staged in the private school’s own theatre, not all action was limited to the stage. Actors popped up in different parts of the auditorium, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing on chairs, whizzing around on scooters or dancing hand in hand down the aisle.
The teamwork and camaraderie was evident throughout. This is a school where – during the very moving curtain call – the students cheered as loudly for each other as they did for the teachers who helped mentor, organise and bring this spectacular production to fruition. (Mr Jack Nelson, who oversaw events management, had even taken to the stage as Cowboy Bob!)
The ensemble cast (featuring diverse accents, ages and genders) together with technicians, musicians and aforementioned teachers worked seamlessly.
The lead actors brought charisma and depth to their roles. Nolan A. portrayed Ren McCormack with youthful intensity, while Ariane S. as Ariel Moore balanced rebellious energy with teenage vulnerability. Jean‑Joseph V, playing Ren’s friend Willard Hewitt, lifted the audience with his haunting vocals. Omnia Y. and Hannah W. played a beautiful and unique Reverend Moore and wife Vi, and Benjamin C. – as Principal Harry Clark – displayed an innate sense of comedic timing, providing many laughs during the evening.
Supporting characters added colour and showed their versatility by covering multiple roles. And the younger performers shone with their pitch-perfect harmonising and rhythm.
The student technical team, lighting experts, and backstage crew demonstrated impressive teamwork, ensuring smooth scene transitions and transporting the audience from church to school to a barn dance in middle America with impressive sets.
Live music added authenticity and had the crowd clapping along, while well-rehearsed choreography (guided by Mary-Alice Setboun) captured the exuberant spirit of dance central to Footloose.
Director Marianne Stewart and technical director Ronald Booth, along with vocal coach Valerie Trubert, and musical director Renaud le Dantec, clearly fostered a supportive environment where students felt confident taking creative risks.
ISN’s Footloose was more than a musical; it was a testament to the power of collaboration between students and teachers. The production delivered a high‑energy evening that celebrated youthful expression and community. Every element of the show worked in harmony, exemplifying not only entertainment but also the values of teamwork, mentorship, gratitude and joy that define ISN’s thriving school arts programme. At ISN, the Creative Arts are a vibrant and essential part of school life, nurturing confidence, creativity, and collaboration in every student. Students enjoy a rich programme in Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre, with opportunities to perform, exhibit, and create – bringing their talents to life and inspiring our whole community.
ISN OPEN MORNING: ISN’s next open morning is on Tuesday 31 March 2026. Book your place here.
This amateur production of FOOTLOOSE (90-MINUTE VERSION) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Stage Adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE | Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford | Music by TOM SNOW | Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD | Additional Music by ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS and JIM STEINMAN
