Emily Sullivan and Zac Decker’s dynamic performance in Footloose (Photo/Michael Anderson/Wanda L. Bass School of Music)
Drama, duets and dancing, a make-up of a spectacular show. Footloose hits all the marks.
Based on the 1980s film adaptation, Footloose the Musical turns the old town of Beaumont into rock and roll central. The audience follows Ren McCormick, a boy who “can’t stop moving,” as he tries to fit into a small town with strange rules.
Originally from Chicago, Ren realizes he’s in a place where dancing, music, noise, and fun have been banned for five years.
Reverend Shaw banned dancing following the tragic death of four teens traveling from a school dance— one of which was the Reverend’s son, Bobby. This tragedy stained the town for years, resulting in mischievous behavior from the town’s teens.
At the head of this mischief was Ariel Moore, the Reverend’s daughter. Ren finds himself instantly attracted to Ariel, but he has to test his affections once he gets ridiculed by Ariel’s delinquent boyfriend, Chuck Cranston.
Feeling like a recluse in this odd town, Ren soon finds companionship in the quick-witted, ill-tempered Willard Hewitt. Though Willard has problems of his own, the boy just can’t dance as he travels to the Bar-B-Que Dance Hall with Ren and Ariel, hoping to impress his long-time crush, Rusty.
Rusty, the girl with cherry red hair and bright green boots, is one of Ariel’s close friends who follows her throughout the show. You will find her harmonizing with Mary Jo, portrayed by Ella Beward, the kind yet slow-witted friend, and Urleen, played by Celine Sullivan, the girl with all the right advice.
Furthermore, sparks fly for Ren and Ariel after the trip to the Bar-B-Que and their trusty friends’ help. Ren decided he needed to show Ariel a proper dance.
After receiving help from the entire senior class of Beaumont High School and being nudged by his new love interest, Ariel, he takes his concerns to the top. Ren then plans to convince the city council that dance isn’t the evil they believe it to be.
Approaching Rev. Shaw and the council, Ren shakily yet passionately fights for the right to dance. Unfortunately, he was met with four firm nos.
Rev. Shaw and Ren found themselves in a now-emptied church. While bonding over loss and loneliness, Shaw realizes Ren is not a troublemaker but simply a troubled kid seeking joy in dancing. After this revelation, Rev. Shaw recanted his no and declared to the church the next day that the dance was on!
The show concluded with a dazzling finale filled with dance and song. From an alluring cast to intoxicating performances, this musical was a thrilling experience.
These performers held their own against the 1980s classic, adapting their own style and portraying a modern-day flair to the show. The cast brought an energy that left the crowd in a roar, captivated by the songs, choreography, and gorgeous set.
Ren truly glided across the stage, dazzling us with his smooth footwork. Ariel brought all the attitude. You felt every emotion as if it were your own.
These two powerhouses were lights on the stage, drawing you closer to each line, look, and step.
They were not the only diamonds in the show. The cast was full of gems, dazzling the stage. Rusty sang resonant belts. Willard Hewitt would proudly say, “ My mama told me to leave them laughing,” and boy did he deliver.
The dancers moved electrifyingly, the singers captivated the crowd, and the set dazzled all.
This was an exuberant start to the 2024-2025 Musical Theatre Season. Look out for your peers in future performances throughout the Schools of Theater, Music, and Dance!
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