Couple teaches art of musical theater | Arts & Culture

The 1980s era is making a big appearance at Ponderosa High School in Parker. The PHS theater program is presenting “Footloose” for its upcoming musical and is hoping audiences are taken back to a simpler time when dancing was a crime.

The musical is directed by newcomers to the program, husband and wife Geoff and Bonnie Reynolds. In an effort to be closer to family, the couple moved from Orlando to the Denver area and were both offered positions within the school’s theater program. Bonnie’s expertise is the technical side of theater and Geoff’s expertise is the acting, singing and dancing side of theater. And together they make a dynamic duo, teaching students the art of musical theater.

“Footloose” is the biggest production at Ponderosa this year. With a cast of more than 60 students, the show allows for a variety of students to take the stage. The set of “Footloose” is also rather large, being the biggest set Bonnie has ever created.

“I have worked on a lot of big sets, but this one is the biggest one I have been in charge of,” Bonnie said. “Overall we have had over 60 people help build the set.”

As for the 60-plus people on the stage, Geoff said he wanted to create an energetic and engaging musical production through the talents of the students and also convey the positive and upbeat message of “Footloose” to the high school and the community. He said he tried to make the dance numbers as ’80s as possible, researching old music videos and even exercise videos.

“I tried to cultivate the strengths of my students as well as stay true to the ’80s,” he said. “I think it should be fun and people will come away excited.”

As the Bonnie and Geoff prepare themselves for opening night, they both admit to feeling nervous, but are confident in their students. Not only are they teaching their students how to create professional musical theater, but they are also teaching the audience about the true talent that lies in high school students. Read More...