Home

10%

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

The 13th collaborative production between UVU and Sundance Mountain Resort

By UVU Photo

August 9^th, 2021

After a one-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Utah Valley University (UVU) and Sundance Mountain Resort have returned to the Eccles Stage Outdoor Amphitheatre to present “Footloose: The Musical,” which opened July 22 and closes August 14. The production has been wildly popular, with tickets selling out through the end of the show’s run.

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

According to Chad Linebaugh, president and general manager of Sundance Mountain Resort, UVU played an essential role in allowing the Sundance Summer Theatre series to continue. “We knew that we needed a partner, we knew that we couldn't produce it on our own, and we knew that we wanted to work with somebody here locally,” Linebaugh says. “We’re grateful that we have UVU as a partner who helps support us on the production so that we can continue that tradition that exists for so many people here in this community.”

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

Students played a major role in building the set of “Footloose,” working with professional carpenters to construct and design the scenery, which includes an iconic bridge that is a central location in the show.

Several students are performing as cast members, with Logan Murphy (’21) and Abigail Watts (’21) playing the featured parts of “Chuck” and “Wendy Jo,” respectively.

“Having the stakes be so high and getting to perform for such big audiences is really exciting,” Murphy says. “It prepares you for having jobs in the theatre and coming in and having like a two-week rehearsal process and being able to be prepared.”

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

While the show might seem like it has a silly premise on the surface, Watts suggests that “Footloose” has an important message about the need to express oneself and move forward after experiencing loss. This theme is especially timely in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as we move forward and begin to process collective loss and trauma. “As fun and kind of corny as this show is, I think it’s got a really heartwarming message, too, that it’s okay to move on and let go of your grief. Dance it out — cut loose!”

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

"Dance it out — cut loose!"

Footnotes

Photos by Isaac Hale.

FootNotes

Photos by Isaac Hale.

© 2026 UVU Photo

Loading, please hold on.