'Footloose' Cast Has Big Dreams

Jamie Bruno always knew she wanted to perform after watching Chartiers Valley musicals as a little girl. As for Connor McRory, he started acting as a joke.

Today after much time and dedication, best friends McRory and Bruno are both in the midst of their dream. Both are working hard to make it big, but know they have to take baby steps to get there.

McRory, who one day hopes to be on Broadway, and Bruno, who would like to be a country music star, are taking the spot light while portraying the leading male, Ren, and female, Ariel, in Chartiers Valley High School’s production of “Footloose” which runs wraps up Saturday night.

“My mom’s co-worker told us about an audition and we sent in a home video of me singing and dancing around to the Backstreet Boys,” McRory said. “We did it as kind of a joke and I was one of four kids to get picked for a television commercial.”

“I knew I wanted to be involved with acting and the musicals when I was a little girl,” Bruno said. “I used to come to the Chartiers Valley musicals when I was younger.”

After being in a radio commercial, McRory joined the Civic Light Opera. He also takes dancing, acting and singing classes outside of Chartiers Valley.

“Footloose” is McRory’s third musical on the Chartiers Valley High School stage. Prior to this year he was nominated for a Gene Kelly Award for his role as The Cat in the Hat in “Seussical” and also for George in “The Wedding Singer.”

Bruno, who has her own band, has loved watching Country Music Television since she was a child and has always enjoyed singing. She takes private voice lessons, is a majorette for Chartiers Valley and enjoys going to dance class.

This year is Bruno’s fourth year being a part of the musical. She started as a shy member of the dance ensemble and has worked her way up the ladder to the leading female role, where she said she has gained confidence in her stage presence. Last year she was nominated for a Gene Kelly Award for best actress.

 McRory plans to attend Penn State to study musical theater and said he one day sees himself on Broadway playing a character like Theo in “Wicked.”

“I would like to be like (Brad Pitt). He has a good career and everyone knows who he is,” he said.

Bruno, who has recently released a new CD and is now available on iTunes, plans on attending Middle Tennessee State University in Nashville and will major in music business.

“I have always seen myself in Nashville making and selling music,” the 17-year-old said.

You can take a glimpse at McRory and Bruno, along with approximately 60 of their peers, working their magic at the “Footloose,” which continues Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets to the production will be available for $8 at the door before the 7:30 p.m. show.