About 25 Seaside High School students have been singing and dancing since January, preparing to bring the school’s spring musical, “Footloose,” to the stage.

The show opened Feb. 27, with additional performances Feb. 28 and March 5 through 7. All shows begin at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home.

When the minister’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who left him.

Luke Surber, Claire Ogilvie and Joseph Harkins are in the lead roles of Ren McCormack, Ariel Shaw and the Reverend Shaw. They are supported by students Patrick Leary, Lucy Swenson, Hayliehe Bell, Bekah Cox, Phoenix Miller, Jordan Davis, Ethan Taylor, Annie Stafford, Isabella Curcin, Kara Ipson, Jake Malone, Logan Griffin, Joshua Strozzi, Chasity Cozzitorto, Sabrina Anderson, Adam Morse, Nathanael Ward and Ilse Robledo.

Vocal and music direction is by Vanessa Unger. Allison Wilski is directing and choreographing for the first time at Seaside High School. Lenore Morrisson is the producer.

A live band will perform the musical’s Oscar- and Tony-nominated score. The soundtrack album reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million copies. The score is augmented with new songs for the stage.

The band consists of Julie Smith on piano; Bill Siewert, bass guitar; Drew Weil, drums; and Drew Weil’s father, Joe Weil, on guitar.

Ticket prices are $8 for adults; $6 senior citizens and students; $4 for students who present their SHS ASB card. Tickets are purchased at the door.