Mayor Dean Kaufert issued a dance ban in Neenah prior to Footloose to promote this community event.
The production of NHS’s fall musical, Footloose, has left a huge impact on the small city of Neenah, thanks to the “Neenah Bans Dancing” campaign that brought attention to the show.
Karyl Schnyder, the director of Footloose, wanted to choose “something big” and finally gave into the idea of selecting Footloose for the fall musical as recommended by Schnyder’s friend. Schnyder then met with a parent, Bill Schultz, to discuss ways to promote the show, and Schultz brought up an idea about banning dancing.
He then met with Neenah’s mayor, Dean Kaufert, to discuss it some more. Kaufert knew he was taking a risk, and he decided to make a proclamation banning dancing until enough people went to go see the show. Kaufert said he was a bit worried that people would take it harshly, and he did end up with phone calls from a few angry citizens. Kaufert, however, smiled and said, “It was about the students and promoting Neenah.”
Kaufert saw the show a couple times and knew it benefited the community. He was “really impressed with the quality” of the show, as he smiled everytime he talked about having seen it. Kaufert commented that “many times we only hear negatives with high school students, and not enough times do we hear the positives.”
Schnyder grinned and said the audience learned from the show. “Stop, take a step back and listen to youth in the community.”
The turn out of the show was better than Schnyder hoped. Sophomore Jack Murphy played the character Ren McCormack in the show. Murphy’s long vocal practice every day and drinking tea to help keep his voice in good condition payed off.
“ I think the audience saw that you should stand up for what you believe is right, ” Murphy said.
With 53 performers and 48 crew members, they committed their time and talent into the show.
Tickets were $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. All the money goes into the general fund for the district, but it continues to support the Neenah Drama Department.
Ultimately, a great deal of publicity preceded the show. “Neenah Bans Dancing” signs were scattered all over the city; news stories on TV and newspaper articles featured the ban. This publicity helped sell tickets and build hype. Additionally, Footloose made national news and was talked about by a celebrity gossip columnist, Perez Hilton. Schnyder expected local, but she was blown away by national publicity.
Mayor Kaufert was pleased to see many areas around the state pick up the story and promote Neenah. People everywhere have been approaching the mayor and telling him what a great job everyone did with the show. The community’s reaction to seeing the show was definitely positive.
Schnyder stands proud. After all, Footloose beat a two decade record for sales!
Murphy said that all the running around on stage was worth it and the audience gave a huge amount of support. Schnyder will always be proud of how Footloose exceeded her expectations and how the community was a huge support.
Not to worry, Neenah citizens: at the end of the show on Oct. 24, the mayor announced that the ban on dancing was lifted, so get out and dance your Sunday shoes off!
