Footloose

The Footloose musical is based on the 1984 film of the same name. The story is fairly straighforward. When her husband walks out on her Ethel McCormack and her teenage son Ren are forced to move from Chicago to Bomont to live with relatives. Ren struggles to fit in to this sleepy town where dancing is forbidden after a freek car accident.

The most dynamic opening ‘Footloose’ made an immediate impact and set the bar high with its energetic dancing and lusty singing. This high standard, fast moving pace was maintained throughout this vigorous production with some dazzling choreograpghy.The vitality and energy of the entire cast was quite breathtaking.

Sean Vannet was perfectly cast as Ren. A player who could sing, act and move with ease and with a sparkling personality he perfectly captured the role of this young man determined to bring life back into Bomont despite the many obstacles along the way, His single parent mum was most sensitively played by Denise Treanor who displayed a natural, maternal, caring attitude looking after her boy and only wanting the best for him.

It is the Rev. Shaw Moore who has banned dancing in Bomont. Joshua Clarke handled this complex character with real sincerity addressing his many changing emotions and struggles having lost his son and dealing with his rebellious daughter. A troubled man ‘Heaven Help Me’ was sung with utmost conviction and feeling. One felt a real empathy for his wife Vi and Joanne Cairncross knew exactly how to pitch this performance between loyalty to her husband  and supporting Ariel her daughter. Her solo number ‘Can You Find It In Your Heart’ was most touching.

Tara McCulloough gave a fabulous performance as rebel daughter Ariel. Wild, outgoing and determined she had it all and dealt with her contrasting emotions admirably. ‘Holding Out For A Hero’ was a real show stopper. The trio with Ariel, and the two mums ‘Learning To Be Silent’ demonstrated a beautiful blend of voices and harmonies.

Ariel’s 3 ‘besties’ Rusty, Urleen and Wendy-Jo were in the most capable hands of Sarah Donnelly, Anna Spence and Wallis Hamilton respectively and what a trio!. Formidable and engaging they brought comedy amd humour to their characters and in many ways continuity to the plot. ’Somebody’s Eyes’ was memorable with strong vocals and slick, well directed business with the glasses. Rusty has her heart set on dating Willlard and Sarah-Louise gave a performance full of character. ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’ was powerful and determined. Willard the somewhat slow witted cowboy was extremely well portrayed by Matthew Colquhoun. He certainly knows how to extract comedy and gained the audience’s support and sympathy as this nervous country lad trying to find his dancing feet. ‘Mama Says’ with Willard and his mates was most entertaining. The scenes with Rusty and Willard provided excellent comedy and I’m so glad that Rusty got her man.

While this was a lively and spirited production, there were some contrasting beautiful tender moments. Ren and the Reverand sharing their losses was quite thought provoking as was Ariel and Ren realising their true feeings for each other in the most moving ‘Almost Paradise’. Staging here with the clouds and smoke was almost ethereal. Robbie Noble was a most convincing rough and tough guy Chuck with his  menacing swagger and bullying demeanor.

Andrew Hally was in fine voice as Cowboy Bob leading the cast in a most energetic ‘Still Rockin’ line dancing opening Act 2. Other supporting roles were very well cast. The pedantic Principal, Connor Hanton, the somewhat brutal Coach David Bartholomew and the hilarious roller skater Betty Blas, Ella Gordon.There were no weak links in the many other cameo roles.

This was a first class, full on production with wonderful singing, oustanding choreography which was executed with precision and apparent ease by all on stage. The many scene changes moved seamlesslty and were never intrusive. Lighting was most effective and enhanced each scene and the fabulous colourful costumes. The orchestra was well controlled and supported what was happening on stage. The ‘Footloose Finale’ and ‘Megamix ‘ absolutely oozed vitality from a company who had undoubtedly put every ounce of energy into the production. A hugely successful production which was enjoyed by all on and off stage.

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