MOUNT VERNON — MTVArts is set to bring the 1980s back to life with an electrifying production of “Footloose.”

MTVArts “Footloose” production will feature a number of shows from July 6 to July 14. Tickets, along with times can be found here.

Directed by MTVArt’s Bruce Jacklin, the show tells the story of Chicago teenager Ren and his mother moving from the Windy City to a small farming town.

While adjusting to a new high school, Ren McCorment abruptly finds out the local preacher, Shaw Moore, has established a ban on dancing.

The 15-plus song musical has more than 50 participants both on and off-stage, Jacklin said.

The production weighs heavily into the 1980s-asethic, with big-wavy hairstyles.

“We have six people doing hair,” Jacklin said.

The stage features cast members donning blue jeans, shoulder pads and puffy sleeves.

Rather than having an orchestra, “Footloose” will have a live band on stage, Jacklin said.

The two-hour production, including intermission, includes scenes from a high school gym, outside country bars and inside churches, climaxing with the prom scene.

Steve Herbst plays Moore, a father and reverend who tragically lost his son in an automobile accident. Moore cannot forgive himself due to his son’s death, shutting himself to the outside world.

Herbst said he loves playing Moore, noting he’s a complicated character who shines in the one-on-one scenes.

Actor and Michael Chekhov certification holder Christopher Hartman plays McCorment.

Hartman puts empathy at the forefront when acting, he said.

“I want to tell stories as honestly as I can,” he said.

Playing the role of Vi Moore, Serra Austin has found herself in productions the past seven years with MTVArts.

Austin said she was a kid in the 1980s, fashion and all, which makes it easy for her to find inspiration for the musical.

“I watched the movie (starring Kevin Bacon) when I was younger,” she said.