Clarence Edmond Shackelford (AKA) "M1Y" - The Artist, a publicist, and founder of Texas Sports Museum, Tour Tyler Texas and Texas African American Museum all are programs that are under the auspices of the Empowerment Community Development Corporation, which is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.
The high-energy musical FOOTLOOSE opened in the Tyler Civic Theatre Center with 11 performances over THREE weekends span, July 21 - August 6, 2023.
Jerard Mosley II (Ren) was filled with excitement when he joined this electrifying production of Footloose, stepping into the remarkable role of Ren McCormack. His recent portrayal as Seaweed in the beloved musical Hairspray at Tyler Legacy led to a nomination for the Leading Performer Award at the prestigious Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards. When not gracing the stage, Jerard pours his creative energy into songwriting. He would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of his directors and the entire team of Footloose for their unwavering belief, and support, and for creating an unforgettable experience.
A final bow, a heartfelt goodbye, and a summer filled with pure magic. Closing the curtains on "Footloose" leaves me with a bittersweet mix of emotions. Through the role of Ren McCormack, I found an unexpected ally, a companion who guided me through the highs and lows of this theatrical adventure.
Ren, you weren't just a character; you became a mirror reflecting my own fears, aspirations, and dreams. As I danced my heart out on that stage, you taught me the essence of perseverance, the courage to challenge the norms, and the beauty of embracing my true self.
The applause may fade, but the impact of this journey will forever echo within me. Here's to the memories we've created the friends I've made, and the lessons I'll carry forward as I step into new horizons. Until we meet again, dear Ren. -Jerard Mosley II
Great cast, great design direction, and execution. Thanks to Hannah Davis, Walker Delk, Stephen Rainwater, and all of the production team! Cut loose! - DeAnna Hargrove
In the 1984 movie of FOOTLOOSE, for his dance scene in the warehouse, Bacon said he had four stunt doubles: "I had a stunt double, a dance double [Peter Tramm] and two gymnastics doubles." Principal photography took place from May 9, 1983, to January 1984.
Footloose is loosely based on the town of Elmore City, Oklahoma. The town had banned dancing since its founding in 1898 in an attempt to decrease the amount of heavy drinking. One advocate of the dancing ban was the Reverend from the nearby town of Hennepin, F. R. Johnson.
He said, "No good has ever come from a dance. If you have a dance somebody will crash, it and they'll be looking for only two things' women and booze. When boys and girls hold each other, they get sexually aroused. You can believe what you want, but one thing leads to another." Because of the ban on dancing, the town never held a prom.
In February 1980, the junior class of Elmore City's high school made national news when they requested permission to hold a junior prom and it was granted. The request to overturn the ban in order to hold the prom was met with a 2–2 decision from the school board when school board president Raymond Lee broke the tie with the words, "Let 'em dance.
Sources: https://empowermentcdc.org, TourTylerTexas@gmail.com
Prepared by M1Y - Clarence Edmond Shackelford - TourTylerTexas@gmail.com
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