Footloose

It was joyous to see so many young people on stage at the Victoria Hall this week in Keighley Musical Theatre Company’s production of Footloose. And good to see that the people of Keighley did get behind the production with a late rush on ticket sales to see this enjoyable and thoroughly energetic production.

Footloose is based on a true story about dancing being banned by a small-town community in Oklahoma, as a result of a tragic accident. Because of this, the show has much more emotional depth than many similar juke-box musicals. It is also packed with humour and great songs- an irresistible combination. And the cast gave it every ounce of commitment to produce a wonderful evening of entertainment.

The opening medley takes us from downtown Chicago direct to morning service in Bomont. An audience dotted with actors added interest to the staging. Set in front of some very creative projections, scenery was minimal to allow a good flow between scenes. The choreography by Judith Chapman, was excellent throughout, and the concerted numbers were a strong feature of the night.

The school-aged principal team was headed up by Fen Greatley-Hirsch as Ren who is not welcomed in his new home by anyone. Ariel (Emily Whitehouse) impressed as the recalcitrant minister’s daughter. These two were particularly strong in their train line scene, when they both open up to the truth and then sing ‘Almost Paradise’- a pivotal moment in their relationship played by both with great sensitivity. Comedy was injected by Willard and Rusty, played by James Windle and Chloe Judge.  Chloe had strong support from Alice Chapman and Katie Westwood. Let’s hear it for the Boy was great fun as the girls sing while the boys try to teach Willard how to dance.

One of the show’s highlights was the comedy song Mama Says when James was joined by Max Hibbert, Luke Scott and Adam Drinkall. The comedy choreography was great. Good dancing, chaps! And they left the stage to cheers with an encore factored into the plans!

Footloose allows a variety of opportunities for actors of all ages and there was a strong team in the parent generation. Laura Judge was very believable as Vi, the ministers wife. Her song Can You Find it in Your Heart was really moving and sensitively explored the relationship between the minister and his daughter. Fortunately, it ended with her persuading her husband to look more favourably upon dancing too. Cue the final megamix when everyone’s stamina is tested. But it is the perfect ending to the show, as everyone shows off their dancing skills.

The show swings along so well largely as a result of a fantastic band led by Wil Jones, MD. Well done Ashley Woodhouse on a strong directorial debut. And how wonderful to see Keighley’s long-standing Stage Manager Diane Jackson featured in the programme alongside others in the production team. This was a wonderful addition to the programme.

Two small points. I did wonder quite where in the US we were located for fictional Bomont, there seemed to be a wide range of accents. And I’m not sure Wikipedia existed in 1984. But that’s just me- I’m a ‘spotter’, that’s my job.

Congratulations to everyone for some wonderful entertainment, may you long continue leaping and dancing before your audience. Leaping and dancing!

 

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