Singer Eric Carmen visits Cleveland students gearing up for production of 'Footloose'

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Metropolitan School District Department of Arts Education is gearing up for the 13th annual all-city musical, "Footloose" at Playhouse Square.

The cast and crew met with Eric Carmen Tuesday afternoon during their rehearsal. The students were thrilled to be able to talk with the legendary singer and songwriter.

Carmen was born and raised in Cleveland. His parents enrolled him at the Cleveland Institute of Music at the age of 2 and a half. Carmen started classical piano lessons at age 11 and by 12, he was writing songs.

He scored numerous songs in his long career, first as a member of the Raspberries. Carmen's long list of hits includes "All By Myself," "Make Me Lose Control," "Hungry Eyes" and "Almost Paradise," a hit song in "Footloose."

"If I can be of some inspiration to them, I'm happy to do it," Carmen said. In fact, Carmen was so pleased with the rehearsal that he said he wants to bring his kids to see the musical.

About 150 students auditioned for "Footloose" and only about 50 made it. The show will be performed the first weekend of June.

For tickets call 216-2-41-6000, visit the Playhouse Square ticket office or order online at http://playhousesquare.org .