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Footloose is a 1998 musical based on the 1984 film of the same name. It follows the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves with his mother to a small, religious town where music and dancing are banned. Ren’s and his new friends try to overturn the town councils’ rules and trying to convince them that dancing is not a crime. As well as trying to battle the ban on dance Ren falls in love with the ministers’ equally rebellious daughter Ariel.

The set designed by Director Carly Bond was well thought out and consisted of industrial scaffolding providing a raised area across the back with two sets of stairs with an extended thrust either side, providing multiple levels which were used well throughout. All scene changes were mainly done by cast members bringing on simple flats on trucks and stage decoration which kept the speed up between scenes. The lighting design worked well throughout and complemented the action on stage. There were odd moments where mics were cued a little late, meaning we missed the start of dialogue in some scenes, but it did not impact the overall performance.

The music in Footloose was a real blast from my childhood an incredible 80’s soundtrack and the band ably led by Musial Director Brendan Casey expertly performed the classic tracks with some great energy for the cast. There were however some moments when the band overpowered the dialogue, particularly at the start of scenes and during some of the under scoring.

In my opinion Footloose is all about the dancing and the choreography by Charlotte Armitage was great, well-pitched for all abilities, in the style of the show and well performed with conviction and lots of energy from the cast.

I did feel that maybe we lost a little bit of the 80’s feel with the costume design, I feel more could have been made of the 80’s fashion/make up.

In reviewing the principal performances:

Ren McCormack (James Price) this is a real triple threat role, and you brought lots of energy and personality to it, well done you really captured Ren's determination to shake things up in the small town of Bomont.

Ariel Moore (Bethan Hughes) a lovely confident performance with some strong vocals. Lovely to see people progressing for the youth groups to the adult group.

Rev.Shaw Moore (Rob Ridd) a difficult role, well managed with some lovely vocals.

Vi Moore (Becky Hennessey) I really enjoyed your portrayal of this character, clearly sympathetic to Ariel’s feelings whilst trying to support your husband. I really enjoyed “Can You Find It In Your Heart”

Ethel McCormack (Rachel Taylor) another strong performance you brought a lovely sincere warmth to the role.

Willard Hewitt (Freddie Williams) a charming performance, really enjoyed “Mamma Says.”

Chuck Cranston (Dom Callaghan) a suitably unlikeable character.

Rusty (Emma May-Jones), Wendy-Jo (Annie Davies) and Urleen ( Ellie Hall) All three gave their individual characters life whilst still working really well as a trio, with good stage presence, and comic timing; they provided us with some great vocal moments, “Somebody’s Eyes” and “Holding out For A Hero” were highlights for me.

The ensemble demonstrated lots of energy and commitment, supporting the principal cast throughout with some quality vocals, harmonies, and dancing/movement on display. I particularly enjoyed “On Any Sunday” and of course the title song “Footloose” You all looked as though you were having a fun time.

Thank you for a great evening of entertainment and to Tina for looking after us so well. 

PLEASE NOTE:

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 effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  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.