Footloose

Once again C.A.T.S have managed to bring to the stage another highly entertaining production. Footloose is a love story adapted from a film of the same title. Most of the central characters are young, so the actors need to have plenty of energy … and oh did this cast have energy!

The director, Jon Berridge has obviously had to work really hard to stage a show of this kind. The company were all well rehearsed, each one giving 100% effort. Well done Jon. With a seven piece orchestra, Barbara Hockey gave the company excellent backing. The vocals from the performers were of a high standard, clearly having been taught well - Barbara’s talents never disappoint! Choreographer Sheena Forster had the unenviable task of putting the cast through their paces and what a great job Sheena did. The routines were vibrant and the energy was infectious!

Rudi Vizma gave a good performance as Ren McCormack - this was Rudi’s first adult role and he shows great promise. Just be more aware of your diction for the future Rudi, especially the first words - well done though. Erin Anderson as Ariel Moore gave a very confident performance in her first role, some good dancing and vocals and she worked well with Rudi. Kev Aiken, playing Reverend Shaw Moore, for me, gave the performance of the evening, with good vocals and a great stage presence. Martin Brown, who played Willard, was very funny and had a  good presence on the stage. I enjoyed Martins performance very much. Heather Bunnewell, Sophie Tranter and Leona Andreanna Sontag, playing Urleen, Rusty and Wendy Jo, worked really well together, they sang beautifully, danced well and all sustained their characters throughout. There were strong performances from all of the other named characters too. It would be unfair to single them out as they all played their roles well, however, I must mention the three young men in the company, Ashley Malcolmson, Jack Jenkins and Janni Vizma. These younsters impressed me very much and they all show great promise! Well done to the ensemble too, they all worked so hard, without them there would be no show!

The set was excellent, very simple, but most impressive. The props were good, as were the costumes and make up. Lighting and sound also helped to enhance the musical – just a few issues with the sound that need to be addressed for the future.

This was overall a very enjoyable, entertaining and energetic production. Congratulations to everyone, both on and off the stage, you have much to be proud of.

Thank you C.A.T.S for inviting me and for the warm hospitality. Good Luck!

CAROLINE JERVIS

NODA EM DISTRICT 7 REPRESENTATIVE.

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