GRACE — When Grace High School drama students were asked what musical they wanted to perform for their annual spring production, the answer came quickly: "Footloose."

After the success of last year's production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," directors Eli and Velvet Hubbard decided to give cast members a say in what came next. When several students suggested "Footloose," it won out easily. The musical will be performed later this month at the Gem Valley Performing Arts Center in Grace.

"We thought if they had ownership in choosing the play, they would be more excited and invested in it," Eli said.

The production involves 43 students, including stage crew. One twist the Hubbards didn't see coming: more boys in the cast than girls — something Grace High School drama has never seen before.

Senior Bailey Mickelson landed the lead role of Ariel, something she never expected when she first joined the program as a freshman.

"I think it's awesome," Mickelson said. "It's weird to think that when I was a freshman, I never would've guessed I would get it. I'm excited to be a lead with my friends."

Mickelson has been involved in theater throughout her high school years and said taking on various roles has helped her grow both on and off the stage.

"I have done plays throughout high school. It definitely has gotten me out of my comfort zone," she said. "It's so much fun and very rewarding."

Playing Ariel has pushed her even further, requiring her to step into a character quite different from her own personality.

"Being Ariel has been very interesting," she said. "I'd say she's a lot more wild than me, so I've had to go out of my comfort zone a lot. It has helped me realize I can do things that are hard for me, like singing in front of people."

The production will also feature new technical elements. The school recently purchased two moving lights and a haze machine, giving stage crew students new tools to experiment with and adding a fresh dynamic to the final product.

Stage sets are a collaborative effort, with two backdrops and set pieces created by students in Andy Berg's art classes — giving visual arts students a chance to showcase their talents alongside their performing arts peers.

The Hubbards have added their own twist to the production as well. Audiences can expect musical numbers including "I Need a Hero," which features appearances from iconic 1980s characters including the Karate Kid and Marty McFly. Other highlights include "Somebody's Eyes," "Let's Hear It for the Boy" and the energetic title song, "Footloose."

Beyond the music and dancing, the production carries a meaningful message about forgiveness and letting go.

The community is invited to attend performances March 20, 21 and 23 on the Gem Valley Performing Arts Center stage. All shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or at https://gracehighdrama.ludus.com/index.php.