Footloose

‘Footloose’ was released as a film in 1984 and adapted for the stage in 1998. The original screenplay was by Dean Pitchford. The music is by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford. Additional music is by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman. The stage adaption of the film is about a young man who moves to a small town where dancing has been banned, he sets about trying to persuade the local community to change …

Director, Martyn Knight and his assistant Janice Hilton have done a wonderful job making this a high energy, fast paced production. The casting was excellent and they and the rest of the company were all very well – rehearsed. The musical director, Rod Iliffe and his assistant Jamie Milburn have worked hard to produce some excellent vocals and harmonies from all the company and the very talented eight – piece Footloose Band, conducted by Rod, provided great backing for the cast throughout the performance. The choreography was outstanding and the joy conveyed by the company was infectious.

The role of Ren McCormack was played by the talented Ell Barnes – Ward who gave a very confidant and commanding performance, with a fine singing voice too. Brett Hanson was excellent as Reverend Shaw Moore he gave a performance that was both moving and sincere. Hannah Taylor as Vi Moore was a perfect paring as the reverend’s wife she had a lovely voice and their scenes together were perfect. Luke White as Willard Hewitt was exceptional his comic timing was great and he gave a performance which I enjoyed very much. Harvey Warren in the role of Chuck Cranston gave a very assured performance and had fine vocals too. Ariel Moore, the Reverend’s daughter, was beautifully played by Jemma Adams she has a lovely voice and worked well with her love interest Ren McCormack. Other noteworthy roles were played by Ella Styles as Rusty Rodriguez, Katie Proctor as Wendy – Jo, Lee Crofts as Cowboy Bob, Zoe Mould as Urleen and Jay Upton as Ethel McCormack. Well done to you all. Special mention too must go to all the Kids Ensemble and the Townspeople. The enthusiasm and energy from the entire company was infectious and they were clearly all having great fun.

The sets were excellent and the scenery was managed very efficiently throughout the evening. The props were all very good and utilised well. The costumes, hair and wigs were all good and in keeping with the period. The sound quality was excellent throughout and the lighting quality was mostly very good, my only criticism was that at times the lighting was a little dark, but this is just my opinion.

Congratulations to everyone at N.M.T.C. for this excellent, fun packed and vibrant production of ‘Footloose’.  This was a really fun evening and I am certain the rest of the audience would agree with me!

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