Footloose

What a display of energy and talent we were treated to by this group of teenagers – from the opening number “Footloose” to the closing hand clapping and foot stomping mega mix. Callum Adams as lead character, troubled teen Ren McCormack, was outstanding not only in his acting and singing but also his sometimes gymnastic dancing. Taylor Henderson as his love interest, preacher’s daughter Ariel Moore, portrayed equally well the rebelliousness and vulnerability of the girl on the brink of womanhood as shown in the numbers “Holding Out For A Hero” and “Almost Paradise”. Alastair Eddie as the Reverend Shaw Moore was very strong as the grieving and over protective father and his rendition of “Heaven Help Me” was very powerful. Stephanie Walker, as his wife Vi Moore, also gave a strong performance and her magnificent voice shone through in her solo “Can You Find It In Your Heart?” and in the trio “Learning To Be Silent” with Ariel and Ren’s mother Ethel, another strong performance from Erin MacDonald. A lot of the comedy in the piece was provided by Angus Hogg’s country  boy Willard Hewitt and his hapless wooing of Ariel’s friend Rusty played by Imogen Bews. Strong support was given by Josh Milne (bully Chuck Cranston), Murray Hossick and Samuel Anderson (Chuck’s cronies Travis and Lyle) and by Georgia Dewsbury and Ellie Yeats (Urleen and Wendy Jo the other two parts of Ariel’s trio of friends). Singing and dancing by the whole company was excellent as has become expected of this group. A multi–level set and appropriate costuming set the scene of small town 1980’s America perfectly. Another wonderful show fully deserving of the standing ovation it received!

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