Footloose

Once more this company pulled out all the stops to give an energetic and entertaining performance. There was a healthy blend of youth and more seasoned members. It opened with the lively signature tune Footloose and moved forward from there. Tension is palpable as teenager Ren coming from Chicago with his mother, learns of a ban on dancing imposed by the local minister who lost his son along with other youngsters returning from a dance. He sets himself apart at school and at home by challenging this rule and attracts the attentions of the minister’s daughter who is frustrated by restrictions on her life. Scott Glidden throws himself into the role of Ren dancing and singing dynamically in the number I Can’t Stand Still and all the songs that follow. Robyn Burns as daughter Ariel is on a slower burner but no less intense. She reveals her rebellion and teenage angst trying to reach her father but not connecting and copes by going to the railway and screaming. Her lead in Holding out for a Hero and other company numbers shows her singing talent. Their duet Almost Paradise just resonates. Her father Rev Shaw Moore comes across publicly as a man firm in his beliefs but he too is torn and Alistair Thomson pours his feelings out and shows his struggle in Heaven Help Me. Meanwhile Pam Murray is the stoic but concerned wife Vi, trying to bridge the gap between them. One of the highlights of the show is Learning To Be Silent, the heartfelt trio sung by herself, Ariel and Ethel , Ren’s understanding mother played sympathetically by Suzie Smail. The story is lightened by Joseph Gall’s delightful character of Willard. His shyness in front of his girlfriend Rusty coupled with his misunderstanding with Ren over his reason for his shyness (that he doesn’t know how to dance) is strongly contrasted with his articulacy in supporting Ren against the Principal and in giving advice relayed from his mother in Mama Says. The schoolgirl trio of Abbie Gilland as Rusty, Emily Knowles as Urleen and Erin Boyd as Wendy Joe support Ariel and their numbers Somebody’s Eyes and Let’s Hear it for The Boy are well sung and presented. Chuck Cranston played by David Mack becomes the aggressive and jealous boyfriend of Ariel while the calm good natured approach of Nic Brown as Travis is a real contrast. All the ensembles worked well together and the minor adult roles of Uncle Wes, Ethel, Coach, Principal and Traffic warden all contributed to a cohesive whole. The stage with its scaffolding for outside and the trucks moved on for family scenes all worked well. The new production officials and choreographer must be satisfied how their ideas worked and with the commitment of the cast to give their best. Lots of talent here was given a chance to shine and they took it. Congratulations on a fast moving and entertaining show.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.