Footloose

Bomont is a small town stitched up tight by religion and the Reverend Shaw Moore(John Hall). He persuaded the town council to pass ordinances banning dancing within town limits following a fatal accident a few years earlier. Then Ren McCormack (Ben Lancaster) arrives in high school from Chicago and begins undermining the Reverend's rules. The fact that Ren is attracted to the Reverend's daughter, Ariel (Rebecca Ferrin), only adds fuel to the fire. There are numerous altercations before the Reverend comes to accept that dancing, of itself, is not the great evil and the show closes with an energetic reprise of 'Footloose' with the whole cast, including the Reverend dancing for all they are worth.

Some say that the storyline is basic and thin. I disagree. Watching the torment of the Reverend and the stroppy Ren, complete journeys of realisation as the show progresses to the feel good final scene, was a pleasure to watch and enjoy. For me the pivotal moment came when the Reverend's wife Vi Moore(Sarah Buckley) uttered the line to her husband about their daughter along the lines of 'when did you stop being her friend?'

I wonder how many parents in the audience twitched a bit at that?

The staging allowed full use of the large playing space,and was kept, in the main, fairly clear except for any necessary trucks and set piece scenery. This allowed swift scene changes and lots of space for company movement whilst retaining intimacy in scenes where necessary.

This was a super show, brilliantly directed and inventively choreographed by Louise Denison and under the musical direction of Jim Lunt. Clearly a very strong creative team.

There were no cruising performances in this hugely talented cast who were full of drive and energy. Everyone played their part in creating an amazing performance.

In particular I thought 'Somebody's Eyes' was beautifully done and 'Holding Out for a Hero' and 'Let's Hear It for the Boy' were great. I loved Vi Moore's 'Can You Find It In Your Heart'.

The whole show was very slick. Great pricipals, strong vocal and dancing company. Swift scene changes and excellent lighting and costumes made Footloose thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

Good Theatre

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