Footloose the Musical

In this production of the show telling the story of teenagers - and adults - coming to terms with the loss of loved ones, director Callum McLeod made several nods to the well-loved film of the same name in this the 40th anniversary year of it’s release.

In the lead role of Ren McCormack, the troubled teenager adapting to being abandoned by his father and to life in a small country town, Grant Dobson was outstanding. This young man had it all – great acting, singing and dancing skills with the latter being showcased in his rendition of “I Can’t Stand Still”. His growing relationship with rebellious pastor’s daughter Ariel Moore, played beautifully by Charlie Welsh, was sensitively portrayed by both actors and their Act 2 duet “Almost Paradise” was a delight. The versatility of Charlie’s voice was shown to great effect in the contrasting numbers the upbeat “Holding Out For A Hero” (with her girlfriends) and the reflective trio “Learning to be Silent” with the two mothers.

These two characters were played excellently by Lesley Mitchell as Ren’s mother Ethel and Julie Gray as Ariel’s mother Vi – her rendition of “Can You Find It In Your Heart” was indeed heart rending. Sandy Duncan gave a truly powerful performance as Ariel’s father Rev Shaw Moore as he struggled with the grief of the death of his son, who had died in a car crash coming home from a party, and with what he thought was best to protect his daughter from a similar fate. His rendition of “Heaven Help Me” was outstanding.

There was lots of humour in the piece much of it provided by the burgeoning teenage love between Ren’s hill-billy friend Willard, played by gangly Brodie Young, and Ariel’s dance loving friend Rusty, played strongly by Jessica Stuart. Jessica’s rendition of “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” was a true crowd pleaser and Brodie’s “Mama Says” was hilarious. Mike Duncan as town bad boy, and Ariel’s boyfriend, Chuck Cranston had the swaggering, menacing characteristics down to a T.

Strong support was given by Shannon Miller, Daisy Wiles and Annabelle Lock (Ariel’s friends Urleen, Wendy-Jo and Tammy-lou), Susan Gillespie and Ken Smith (Lulu and Wes Ren’s Aunt and Uncle), Louisa Brown (Coach Dunbar), Judith Hampson (Principal Clark), Alison Miller (roller skating diner owner Betty Blast), Natalie Munro (country singer Trixie Dixie). Lynne Ward (Eleanor) and Callum Farquhar, Ryan Mackie, Robyn Lean and Claudia Spencer (Chuck’s gang members Travis, Lyle, Bickle and Garvin). The ensemble singing and movement was excellent throughout but especially in the “Footloose” and “Still Rockin” numbers.

The set designed and built by company members was very impressive. Good use was made of the multi-levels and by using movable screens the changes between scenes were smooth and quick.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the production – you fully deserved the standing ovation from the full house audience!

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