Footloose Youth Edition

It was interesting to find out that this production was adapted from the original 1984 film and the story ‘was inspired by real-life events in Elmore City, Oklahoma, where dancing had been banned for nearly 90 years until high school students successfully challenged the law in 1980 to hold a prom’. It features many iconic 80’s hits that the teenagers seem to enjoy these days, it does amuse me that they forget these songs were around when many of us were young.

It is a very fast-moving story, only 60 minutes duration, but what a lot was packed into that time. A solid storyline, high energy and lots of wonderful dancing. The plot focuses around two main families with complicated stories and how their backgrounds lead to the fallout from events affecting them. Through time, healing and listening to the youngsters’ events are amicably resolved.

The stage was set with a static set which was added to by the turning of flats and additional pieces of flown/pulled on scenery adding detail to set scenes in the diner, church, council room and school. Although I was a little disappointed with the graffiti which was meant to represent Ariel’s poems.  Wipes were used to close off some of the top stage with a door, for Reverend Moore’s house.  An additional small apron had been added onto the lower stage level. I understand that this gave some more playing place but I’m glad the cast were standing up when performing near to the join or I wouldn’t have seen them. The stage was well used well with different groupings. The large props which were successfully added by the cast and the appropriately dressed stage crew. The personal props were all fitting and well managed.

The lighting plot was varied and executed well to enhanced the variety of scenes set through the performance.

Your company used backing tracks for this production, they were set at a level which ensured the lyrics could be heard without overpowering the lyrics for the audience.  The passages of dialogue were clearly heard so the audience could follow the story as it progressed. 

The choreography was innovative with a variety of different routines which had many moves which were reminiscent of those originally completed in the 80’s.  I enjoyed the way that your choreographer knows all the cast so well and will stretch both those with excellent and individuals who are less confident to include them in musical numbers. They were delivered with energy and conviction. The skates were a good idea in the Diner.  This production is only set to last for one hour therefore the opening arrangement sets the tone for the whole show.  The cast set a very high standard with the opening number and put everything into it this set whole production.

The costumes were excellent and great for the era with attention to detail; I loved the leg warmers!  The girls’ shorts/jeans t-shirt and knotted tops with cowboy boots and hats and boys in jeans, t-shirts, country shirts with boots and hats were ideal. I liked the way that Ren’s outfit initially picked him out as a kid from out of town. The way that those playing adults were attired in more sombre outfits distinguished them clearly. The Diner staff uniform was good and the changes for the finale were ideal, it was a shame that Ariel appeared to have some issues with her sleeves following her quick change. Saying that she didn’t drop a line and her smile did not change, well done.

The opening chorus of ‘Footloose/On Any Sunday’ set the story and gave us an introduction to members of the cast and potential issues.

Ren was a teenager from Chicago who when taken to an alien community to him rebels in every way. Your player created a totally believable character, with an excellent accent, good vocals and movement. He worked well with all the others on stage. His friendship with Willard was believable and ‘I Can’t Stand Still ‘was sung with emotion. The development of the close relationship he found with Ariel was wonderfully depicted ‘Almost Paradise’ was sung with such pure feeling.  Ren delivered his speeches to the council and the Reverend with gravitas. The young lady depicting his mother was very supportive of Ren but had to adapt to her new restrictive live. She had been through emotional times but was portrayed as loving mother doing the best she could.

It is difficult to portray an adult in a youth production but what a superb performance your cast member did. He maintained the complex character of a Reverend who was grieving the death of his son, despairing of his daughter’s choices and with decisions he was determined to follow through. His accent was on point; he sang ‘Heaven Help Me’ with feeling and showed a different persona following Ren’s conversation with him. The young lady acting as the supportive, caring Vi Moore was excellent. She was the mediator in the Moore household between her husband and daughter. She was a convincing actor and her singing of 'Can you find it in your heart' with wonderful diction was heart rending.

The actor depicting the smart, recalcitrant daughter of Reverend Moore was spot on. She had developed a set of different strong characteristics when dealing with her father, Chuck and Ren who was she clicked with. Her excellent acting, moving and strong vocals stood out.   She interacted well with her friends and the understanding and developing relationship with Ren was palpable.

The local bad boy and Ariel’s boyfriend Chuck Cranston was convincingly portrayed by your actor.  He had a certain swagger and showed his dislike of Ren. His friends Luke and Travis backed him up all the way.

Lulu and Wes Warnicker were Ren’s aunt and uncle and although Lulu was prepared to take in sister and nephew, they were elders in the community and supported the ban on dancing. Well played.

Ariel has three friends who are her best friends and confidantes. They all create a tight knit unit, sharing gossip and supporting Ariel in every way.  Wendy Jo, Urleen and Rusty were all created very different characters, maintained their accents were strong vocalists ensuring harmonies were heard and moved with confidence. ‘Somebody’s Eyes’ was presented with feeling and ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ and ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’ had the audience joining in. Working with the two young leads they move the narrative of the story forward.

Willard Hewitt was the dungaree attired slightly dim country boy who became Ren’s friend. Your actor gave a funny performance which the audience appreciated.  His rendition of ‘Mama Says’ was delivered with feeling backed up by Bickle and Jeter. Watching his dancing skills develop so he could partner Rusty was great.

Eleanor the Town Council President and Coach Dunbar were prominent members of the community in Bomont. They both showed their dislike of this rebellious teen who had arrived in their town and upheld the ban that had stood for years. They both created strong characters.

Betty Blast, Cowgirls Bonnie, Jude ad Laura Jo and Cowboy Bob were cameo roles taken on by members of your cast. They all took their roles seriously and made them very different individuals.

The ensemble showed a high level of commitment to their performances. They smiled, sang and danced with fervour and gave your audience a lovely show to view.

This was a wonderful show to watch delivered by an enthusiastic group of youngsters who were obviously enjoying themselves. The energy from the ‘Footloose’ chorus was brilliant.  I understand it was the last show for many of you who will move up to the adult company where I shall look forward to watch their developing skills. I will also be watching the younger members taking on more prominent roles later in the year.

Many, many congratulations to all on stage or behind the scenes. An uplifting afternoon’s entertainment.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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