Footloose –The Musical

This show has been transferred from screen to stage which can present problems but this company had had overcome them and devised a clever set, which enabled the action to move swiftly between locations.  The lighting had been well designed with interesting effects.  The microphones were well balanced and operated and there was good cuing of sound effects.  The costumes had been well thought out, appropriate and helped define the characters. 

There are many aspects of this production which are challenging, the first being for the cast to maintain clear American accents, as frequently they can become so broad as to be unintelligible; the music is not easy; care needs to be taken with young people playing much older roles; and the storyline needs to be handled sensitively to be believable, as there are several complex issues which are being explored.  These young people rose to the challenge and presented a well-rounded show, with clear well sustained American accents.  Music Coach Kayleigh Rose had taught the music well, and the young people delivered all the songs clearly, confidently, and with the plenty of energy or sensitivity as the song required.  The musicians and singers worked well together achieving a good balance.  There were some memorable musical numbers including ‘Learning to be Silent’, ‘Heaven help Me’, ‘Can You Find It In Your Heart?’ and of course ‘Footloose’ and ‘Holding Out For A Hero’.

Lucy Cragg had choreographed some amazingly energetic routines, with help from Jenny Richards for ‘Hero’.  The cast were confident in their moves, kept in time with the music and looked as if they were enjoying themselves.  The scene when they are teaching Willard to dance was lovely, and the opening of Act 2 with the dancers ‘dancing’ in the background without music but all in time with each other was impressive.

The show had been well cast with everyone working hard on their characters both principals and ensemble. The ensemble supporting the principals throughout, making the most of cameo roles and singing and dancing with great energy and enthusiasm.  All those with named roles had worked hard to develop individual characters and gelled well.

This was a show with themes that young people could relate to but one I suspect that was deceptively difficult.  The whole team had worked well together to give audiences an energetic, enthusiastic show, which was of a high quality.  Congratulations everyone.

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