My memory is fuzzy on the details of Footloose the movie. It was produced 40 years ago, and remade in 2011. Stage West’s theatre production is a good reminder that this movie is full of popular songs. Songs that you didn’t realize were from the film, including Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear it For the Boy, and Holding Out for a Hero. The songs are still classics, but there are definitely aspects of the narrative that didn’t age well, most especially the entirety of the song The Girl Gets Around and the physical assault of the female lead simply because she decides to break up with her boyfriend. The original set up of the story implies that because she ‘gets around,’ she deserves what she gets. It speaks to the need for adapting and editing of this misogynistic story. Nevertheless, this production is full of great voices and a big cast that are strong in telling the story. At its core, the fight for justice and for lawmakers to examine their fears, with a movement that is led by youth is a storyline that still resonates today.
The story tells of Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves with his mother from Chicago to the tiny town of Bomont, Utah, to live with Ren’s aunt and uncle. In Bomont, due to a tragedy years earlier, there are anti-drug, anti-dancing, and anti-alcohol laws. Leading the town is Reverend Shaw Moore, whose son died in an accident and caused him to make laws to ‘protect’ the youth. His daughter, Ariel, is rebelling against his authority and it’s tearing their relationship apart. Ren winds up befriending Willard Hewitt and with his encouragement he tries to get the anti-dancing laws repealed.
Stage West’s production of Footloose features 21 cast members. This is a big production. Sam Boucher’s Ren is fully capable of holding the narrative. He can sing, dance and exudes a depth of emotions. Paige Foskett is quite nuanced in her portrayal of Ariel. She’s a strong lead, with big vocals and an ability to illustrate a whole range of emotions. Tayo Gbalajobi as Rusty is quite the talented singer and Linette Doherty also has an amazing voice. Curtis Sullivan’s performance as Reverend Shaw Moore is engaging and dynamic, especially when you see into his world during his solo.
This production of Footloose includes some great set design from Wes D. Pearce and David Smith’s lighting design creates intimacy within different scenes. Leslie Robison-Greene’s costume design gives the musical a real sense of fun.
The musical reminds the audience of how we need to reflect on our fears and how we want to shape the future.
Stage West’s production of Footloose runs until June 22nd. More information is available online.