Footloose

Always look forward with excitement whenever I’m invited to see a musical for the first time. Having seen the film of the same name many years ago we find ourselves transported back to a Bible Belt backwater where dancing and rock music have been banned.

Enter city boy Ren, played well by the exuberant Alfie Phelan, who reluctantly moves with his mother Ethel, (played excellently and beyond her years by Casey Michaela) from his beloved Chicago to the small farming town of Bomont. Before too long he’s causing a stir and he’s caught the eye of the Reverend Shaw Moore’s (Jack Goode) daughter, Ariel confidently played by Sophie Ashford, much to the annoyance of her dropout boyfriend Chuck (Joshua Hine).

The show bursts into action with a dazzlingly energetic rendition of the title track ‘Footloose’ - it’s all about the tunes, and if 80’s music is your thing it was an absolute treat, with classic’s  such as Holding Out for a Hero and Let’s Hear it for the Boy’. But for all the big numbers with their bells and whistles, one of my personal favourites was from Vi Moore (Sophie Terry), ‘Can You Find It In Your Heart’.

Ariel (Sophie Ashford), Rusty (Livvy Owen), Wendy Jo (Megan Allsop) and Urleen (Amelia Soffe) were the girls who I feel strongly hold this show together and carry the story line throughout. These roles were played with such credibility, I hope they are firm friends outside of their amateur theatre hobby. Along with numerous other principal cast members, every one of which had their part to play, including a lovely cameo by Cerys Worthington as the bar proprietor Betty Blast. The chorus numbers were really energetic with some great choreography and the harmonies were beautiful,especially in ‘Learning To Be Silent’ (Sophie Terry, Casey & Sophie Ashford) It was good to see Joe Taylor on stage again this time in the role of dungaree-wearing mama’s boy Willard, singing ‘Mama Says (You Can’t Back Down) I particularly liked the scene where he was taught how to dance by Ren. One of my favourite scenes was The Burger Blast, from recollection roller-skating can prove challenging, so really well done.

I loved the film, and seeing the story brought to life on stage by the talented youth cast was such an enjoyable experience. Congratulations all involved with this production who earned a well-deserved standing ovation on the date I attended.

Thank you once again for the invitation. BYT continues to nurture, encourage, support and provide opportunities for children to perform on stage and get involved with other activities. By participating, these children are able to build confidence and develop their abilities.

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