Footloose The Musical

The excitement of the audience was palpable in the auditorium for this production. Footloose is an exciting, fast-paced musical which slams you directly in the face from the start and this was no exception. With a stunning rendition of Footloose/On any Sunday by this talented company, the story of Ren and his mother, moving to the farming town of Bomont from Chicago, began. 

The staging was simple but effective with an open stage using two sets of stairs to a raised concourse giving an interesting aspect and gently lit with pinks/blues and purple gobos. This raised area is used well throughout the performance as a pulpit for the Reverend Shaw with two stain-glass windows flying in, a railway bridge where Ren and Ariel spend time together and other company numbers.  We are later treated to a predominantly pink Burger Blast set, again, flown in, seamlessly. In fact, the changes of scene were almost invisible due to clever direction and use of the cast to move larger stage props allowing the performance to progress effortlessly. I particularly loved the use of the individual lockers splitting the stage, ingenious! 

We meet an energetic young ensemble with some excellent strong solo voices, dancing their socks off throughout the first number and this energy continued throughout the whole show. The complicated choreography was mastered well by the ensemble, leads and company and looked incredible especially during ‘Let’s Hear it For The Boy’, ‘Somebody’s Eyes Are Watching’ and the line dancing of ‘Still Rockin’. 

The threefold strength of the actors portraying Rusty, Urleen and Wendy Jo was exceptional. These actors worked superbly well together, producing excellent harmonies between them and individual stand out performances each. Rusty, in particular, with her fabulous southern accent and her strong, lyrical voice of great quality punched out her numbers and commanded the stage.  The actor playing Urleen, also with a lovely voice, controlling the trio’s antics and Wendy Jo, dippy and loveable, were perfect together, their voices blended well and between them, they produced a professional performance.

The role of Ren is challenging for any actor as he arrives in Bomont like a “tornado in a trailer park’ encouraging his peers to stand up to the Rev Shaw Moore and his rules. Played with a great deal of thought and tenderness at times, this actor gave his all in this part. An able dancer and with a lilting voice he produced a stand out performance.  Willard, his new friend and partner in crime was naturally portrayed as an awkward, sensitive soul and his scenes with Rusty were very funny.

Ariel, Ren’s love interest and the leading female role, was beautifully portrayed with great thought and expertise by this actor. This is a complicated role which deals with partner abuse, friendships and parental issues needing a strong voice and stage presence. This actor had these in spades and gave the 

audience a delightful and believable portrayal especially in the gentler moments with her father, Rev Moore.  The actor playing Rev Moore sure can project when he is preaching and every word was heard clearly. I loved his performance ranging from dictatorial to tender and what a lovely voice, heartfelt during “Heaven Help Me’. The relationship between him and his wife Vi, was acted perfectly.  I must make special mention of Vi’s rendition of “Can you find it in your heart” expertly handled by this actor, as was “Learning to be silent” with Ethel and Ariel. I also enjoyed Ethel as the feisty mum who understood her boy and loved him unconditionally.  Chuck is the troubled kid, the misunderstood bully who was portrayed well by this actor in his first performance with EMCo.  

Huge praise to the company and the ensemble who produced some fascinating cameo roles such as Lulu Warnicker’s comical portrayal and Cowboy Bob’s thigh slapping song. The whole company must be congratulated for the incredible, energetic dance numbers, especially those on roller skates.

As I stated the choreography was superb and it is obvious the cast worked very hard, as did their director/choreographer, Rob Guy, to get this right. Footloose is predominantly a dance musical and great dance numbers are expected. This production did not disappoint.

The ensemble produced a superb sound which endeared them to the audience who happily interacted in some numbers, clapping and singing. 

The lighting in all scenes was expertly created. The large moon and the lighting of the faces of Ren and Ariel as they sang ‘Almost Paradise’ was lovely as were the bright pinks of Betty Blast’s. The sound engineer worked hard at the beginning to master levels for the orchestra and those on stage and succeeded. There were times when there was a little feedback on the mic’s when actor’s voices were raised but this was understandable. Overall, the balance was good. The orchestra sounded phenomenal under the steady baton of Angela Blackwell. 

Every cast member gave 150% throughout this show. It was colourful, lively, thought provoking and enjoyable for the cast and audiences alike. This is what theatre is about, bringing smiles and enjoyment to an audience and watching them leave happy, laughing and singing the numbers from the show. Well done to a talented cast and company!

I send my congratulations to all those involved in Footloose and I look forward to your next production with much anticipation.  My heartfelt thanks also for such a warm welcome from your president, Ken Sellek and the front of house team. 

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda Representative Mid and East Devon.

 

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