LAYTON - Put on your dancing shoes and get on down to Northridge High School. Ladies, if you've got the signature red cowboy boots, even better. There's foot stomping fun going on as the Department of Performing Arts presents "Footloose." Western wear is optional for audience members, but the cast is outfitted in styles from the late 70s and early 80s including off-the-shoulder blouses, leather belts with big buckles, tight pants and lots of attitude. If the rhythm doesn't get you, the story here will: a twist on the popular "City Mouse, Country Mouse" tale. Ren McCormick and his mom move from the big city to a small town with his aunt and uncle.

The town hasn't had a dance in nearly a decade because at the last dance a carload of kids got crazy and crashed their car, killing all the occupants. City leaders, with the encouragement of the Reverend Moore and other parents, have banned public dances ever since.

Unfortunately for Ren, that's all he really loves, well, except for the Reverend's daughter, Ariel. Together with friends Rusty and Willard, they whip the town into a heated frenzy over the no-dancing issue, intent on taking on the world and getting the right to dance back.

Chris Peterson as Ren is stellar. Kevin Bacon, move over, this guy can dance and sing.

And to his credit, he had planned on trying out for the basketball team, but opted out when a bad knee and rehearsals for the show interfered. He and Krystal Beutler as Ariel have chemistry as well as great vocal harmony. Each is a powerful vocalist.

Carol Thompson plays the assertive Rusty, Ariel's best friend. Her soulful, gutsy vocals are perfect as the feminist love interest of Willard, played by Cameron Vakilian. As Willard was being played by another cast member the day of the review, Thompson energetically gave that cast member Vakilian's stage kiss, to the delight of the off-stage cast.

Both Erin Von Almen and Kendall Pack are outstanding as Vi and Reverend Moore, but Pack steals the show with his solo at the end, key to the transition of the story. He is so smooth moving through the many emotions needed, one is almost surprised to see where he arrives; it just feels right.

The one thing that sets Northridge High School productions apart from other shows is the teamwork of the staff and students. This in-house project has the quality of vocal, dance and acting talent seen in semipro theaters, yet it's work done by the students.

"Footloose," runs Nov. 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at 2430 N. 400 West, Layton. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for students for reserved seating, $4 for adults, $3 students for general seating. Call 402-8500 for more information.