Before "High School Musical," there was "Footloose."

Based on the popular 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon, the stage version -- a new version of the Broadway smash -- cuts loose Thursday at Theatre at the Center in Munster.

"It's the same story as the movie but the actors sing," said "Footloose" director/choreographer Stacey Flaster. "It's not just a soundtrack in the background."

Most of the familiar music from the film is featured in the musical. Several hit songs are still heard on the radio today. There was the hit title song by Kenny Loggins in addition to "Let's Hear It for the Boy," "Holding Out for a Hero" and "Almost Paradise."

The soundtrack backs the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to a conservative Midwest town where dancing and rock music have been banned by the repressive local minister.

Ren falls in love with the reverend's daughter. Together they win the hearts and soul of the community in an effort to make dancing legal again.

"I saw it at the Marriot Theatre (Lincolnshire) five years ago and fell in love with it," Flaster said. "The music and dancing is great -- it's timeless."

Chicagoan Matt Raftery portrays Ren, the role made famous by Bacon 25 years ago. A fan of the original film, Raftery was part of the Marriott ensemble's revival. He also auditioned for the original production 10 years ago in New York.

"The music itself is what most people know and love," Raftery said. "The way the arrangements work out with each different character is well thought out."

Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie adapted the film for the original stage production, which ran from 1998 to 2000 on Broadway.

Ren's masked confidence is what drew Raftery to the character. Ren is easily intimidated yet pushes himself to make change happen -- then changes a lot himself, Raftery said.

"Ren starts out really defensive and he has a great arc of growth within the course of the show," Raftery said. "It's the most fun as an actor when you get to play a character who really changes in the course of the show."

Ren's love interest in the musical, Ariel, is played by Andrea Prestinario.

"I'm looking forward to working with her -- she's a great girl," he said.

Raftery said the musical overall is a crowd-pleasing show with wide appeal amongst families.

"All ages enjoy it and think of it as something that would make for a fun evening," he said.