Legwarmers, big crimped hair, acid-washed jeans and spandex are popular again with the Hi-Liners new production of Footloose.

Taken from the popular 1980s movie of the same name, the play revolves around Ren, the new kid from Chicago in a small town, with strict laws. The harshest law is the ban on dancing spearheaded by a prominent preacher who feels the town’s youth should be under control.

More problems start when the preacher’s daughter falls for Ren and together they try to prove that dancing is not something that should be outlawed.

“I was excited to get Footloose into the season because it was a movie that I loved,” said artistic director Kathleen Edwards.

“I knew our cast would have a great time putting it together and I liked the idea that our audiences would be reintroduced to the show and its music through a live theatre experience.”

Audiences will be thrown back the ‘80s when they hear the songs made popular by the movie.

“The music by Tom Snow, Sammy Hagar and Kenny Loggins started to fill the room and I was moving, dancing. I couldn’t help it,” said Edwards.

Those who were fans of the movie when it first came out and were able to identify with Ren may find that through the years their sympathies lie elsewhere.

“When I originally saw the movie, I was aching to shout out for the poor, oppressed teenagers who just wanted to be able to express themselves by dancing,” said Edwards.

“Now I want to shout at them, ‘Do you understand that this is a story about parents who have lost their children? So they’ve overreacted a little. Give them a break, they’re doing the best they can.’

“Fortunately our director Chandra Farnsworth has come to her understanding of the parents’ plight earlier in life than I. I am amazed at her empathy and sensitivity to their characters and she’s young enough that the kids have a true advocate for their side of the story.”

But those who experience Footloose for the first time will be drawn into the production through the lively music, energetic dancing and the outrageous fashion.

“I’ll tell you, it’s an interesting ride, this nostalgia trip,” Edwards said.

Footloose opens March 18 and runs through March 26.

Showtimes are: March 18, 7:30 p.m.; March 19; 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; March 24, 7:30 p.m.; March 25, 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; and March 26, 1:30 p.m.

Performances will be at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 South 152nd Street, Burien.

To purchase tickets go to www.hi-liners.org.