Footloose

The Hartlepool Stage Society performed Footloose as a show opening with the young cast singing with good voices and character in the home town transforming to Bomont with full townsfolk with children and older folk was lovely to watch. Church scenes each time gave nice harmonies, and atmospheric scenes.

The lead role of Ren played by Peter Rowlands, was danced and sang his way throughout the evening.  Ariel played by Carolyn Lithgo had a lovely voice, playing the troubled rebellious teenager.  Rusty, Elizabeth Marshall, was a great performance stunning voice and feisty character. Mrs Vi Moore had a voice that was really beautiful and played her part with great empathy a really lovely performance by Erin Spence, alongside a young Rev. Shaw Moore played by Adam Thompson who had a good voice too.  The “Learning to be Silent” trio of Ethel played by Louise Parks, Vi and Ariel was a lovely performance by all three ladies.

Opening of act II “Still rocking” was well performed  by Bobbi (Sarah Charlton) with a lovely powerful voice and the chorus dancing. The duet at the railway bridge “Almost Paradise” was nicely balanced and lovely voices together from Ren and Ariel. Willard was played with high energy, character and comedy by Lewis Muldown becoming a well-deserved favourite of the audience with his rendition of “Mama says” backed by the chorus members.  Gareth Lawson as the villainous Chuck added the sinister character, and though the cast was short of males it was ably replaced with the ladies in parts that worked equally well.  Young children added a warmth to the cast and young girl dancers added some nice dancing with choreography set for them in addition to the chorus movement.

Costumes were great colourful western theme and boots galore.  Set was limited due to the stage size but still worked well and scene changes were completed ably.  Lighting and sound did have some issues but added to the overall effects well and the cast gave a performance that felt it was enjoyable for them as well as the audience, and had a good feeling.  Audience applause certainly showed they enjoyed their evening. Well done to the society for all involved.

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