Cut loose with the Dartmouth High Theatre Company during the company’s spring production of “Footloose.”

The musical, set in the early 1980s, follows a young man named Ren — played by Dartmouth High senior Kyle Lamontagne.

As the rebellious dancer moves to a new town from Chicago, he quickly discovers his passion is outlawed thanks to the town’s preacher.

“Ren uses dance music to express himself, but he can’t do it in Bomont,” Lamontagne said. “He has to convince the people of Bomont to dance.”

Ren is a cocky teenager at heart, but can be quite serious at times, Bomont noted. He shows a lighter side in his dealings with Ariel, the daughter of the production’s main antagonist and dance-banner, Rev. Shaw.

It’s also quite the match to Lamontagne’s own personality, which can actually be a challenge in acting.

“Ren and I are so alike, it was hard to separate myself from my character,” Lamontagne said. “I

really had to get into reacting to situations like how Ren would and not like how I would.”

With many group dances dominated by 1980s pop hits, it’s one of the more dance-heavy productions the theatre company have put on since Chicago about five years ago.

“There are so many big numbers, and everyone seems to think it’s fun dancing on stage with all our friends,” Lamontagne said.

Ren is able to find common ground with the preacher’s daughter, Ariel. Despite her strict upbringing, she, too, embraces the rebellious lifestyle. She is played by Mikayla Vaillancourt, who couldn’t be more excited to portray the character and bring the truth about her character to the audience.

“There’s a song called ‘Girl Gets Around’ and it’s a rumor that she dates a lot of people. In my opinion I think that’s just a rumor. She’s not actually like that, but she likes to have the attention to rebel against her dad.”

Taylor Olimpo plays Vi Moore, who she describes as “the mother of the show.”

“She’s the wife of the reverend, and she’s the mother of Ariel,” Olimpio explained. “She’s the heart of the show.”

For inspiration, Olimpio looked to the mother figures in her own life to channel that motherly instinct.

Co-Director Denis Lawrence noted the musical aspect of the show, with its repertoire of 1980s hits, was a big reason to bringing the production to Dartmouth High.

“This is the soundtrack that their parents grew up with, so everyone can sing along,” Lawrence said. “The show is relatable because it shines a light on tensions between parents and kids. Everybody’s story crashes together and they discover they are all just trying to work things out.”

Showtimes are May 2, 3, and 4 at 7 p.m., and May 4 at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for students and seniors. Family four packs are available for $48. Purchase tickets online at dhstheatreco.com or by calling (508) 971-2258.