There is something super-catchy about the energetic Footloose the Musical. When you get back from the theatre and suddenly do silly moves that even amuse the cats, you know that you've caught a fun bug that's incurable; the enthusiasm and dynamism of The Waterfront Theatre School's staging of the musical has invaded your senses and completely chased away the winter blues.
A clever realisation of the film, the local staging follows in the footsteps of the successful two-year Broadway run, its run in London's West End since it first opened in 2004, and at the Joburg Theatre in 2006. The stage adaptation of the classic 1984 film of the same name is by Tom Snow (music) and Dean Pitchford (lyrics), with additional lyrics by Kenny Loggins, and an original book by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie.
It is set in a conservative small-town, Bomont in the US, where life is peaceful until Ren McCormack - the city boy with the overactive sneakers - arrives and clashes with the Reverend Shaw Moore, Bomont's authority figure. Challenging every one of Moore's opinions and breaking every taboo, Ren brings dance back to the heart of a town held back by the memory of a tragedy.
Footloose is the perfect musical for the entire family, who will definitely be swept away by its spectacular extravagance. It's not just a bubble-gum musical pastiche of recognisable songs, but offers a worthy story dealing with issues of identity, being an outsider and fighting for the freedom of expression. It offers and evening of enjoyable entertainment, filled with sensational songs and dance, plenty of laughs and drama.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the sensational dancing, delivered with powerful impact and fervour by the exciting and lively ensemble, which will leave you breathless! Choreographers Janine Binns, William Jones and Shona Brabant did a sterling job whipping the cast into electrifying dance routines that feature a compelling blend of dynamic rock 'n roll and country and western styles, infused with contemporary hip hop and street dancing. Truly amazing!
Director Paul Griffiths sits firmly in the director's chair and superbly contrasts the bigger, spectacular scenes with the smaller, intimate moments, allowing the audience to indulge fully in the awesome extravaganza and equally share in the introspective journey of the vibrant characters. Griffiths allows the cast to shine at full capacity, giving them an opportunity to project the energy required to live up to the rowdy audiences' expectations.
Leading the cast at this performance was the charismatic Emile Doubell as city boy Ren, who takes the small town by storm, with the charming Samantha Allchin as Ariel, the rebellious Reverend's daughter who sparks off a sweet romance. Kyle Jardine is terrific in the role of the outsider country boy who befriends Ren and gradually overcomes his shyness with girls and blossoms into a studly Romeo. The roles of the Reverend Shaw Moore and his wife are performed with heartiness by Byron Bure and Bianca Green, with Marryanne van Eyssen in top form as Ren's mother. Sam Engler, Lucy Wooley and Chloe Perling add zest as Ariel's friends, with Nicky Rossouw delivering a great villain as the bullying Chuck. Ally White brings the house down with her hilarious performance of Betty Blast, the owner of the Burger Blast, and Dirk Joubert keeps everyone on their toes as the High School Gym Teacher.
The music has something for everyone, ranging from gentle ballads, comical sketches, sizzling showstoppers and foot-tapping favourites. Highlights include a raucous opening sequence of Footloose, a sexy fantasy sequence Holding Out For A Hero, the humorous Mama Says, and the rousing Let's Hear It For The Boy.
It's interesting that two hit films from the 1980s dealing with teenage rebellion and sexual awakening evolved into musicals; first there was Footloose in 1984, fashioned in the traditional style of musical theatre, followed by Dirty Dancing 1987, with music lifted from the film. Unlike contemporary musicals like Dirty Dancing, where there's only "the lift", Footloose wins hands down with some heartfelt songs for the different characters.
Ariel's girlfriends offer a delightful Somebody's Eyes and the brawny Chuck and the boys deliver an equally potent The Girl Gets Around. Also memorable are Byron Bure's rendition of the Reverend's Heaven Help Me and I Confess, with Tammy de Klerk as his wife delivering a touching outcry Can You Find It In Your Heart. The love duet Almost Paradise, on top of the bridge between Ren and Ariel, is a touching moment that captures the essence of first love. It is amazing how songs that were used as backdrop in the film are now bursting to life on the stage.
Great dance sequences that spill out of the musical numbers and truly showcase the talents of the dancers are found in the sporty I'm Free/ Heaven Help Me routine at the High School Gymnasium, and the stomping Footloose finale that is guaranteed to have you on your feet. Under the musical direction of Garth Tavares, the cast sparkles. Deon Bisschoff's practical sets and lighting, and the sexy costumes by Delia Sainsbury, Mary Martin and Joyce Adama, complement the vigour of the production; the sets seamlessly bleed from one setting to another offering a variety of settings that fill out the world of the characters.
If you are looking for an evening of first-rate, slick entertainment, let Footloose get you moving. If this sassy-and-vibrant cast won't get you dancing to the beat, nothing will! Footloose the Musical is an invigorating experience that celebrates contemporary musical theatre at its best and should not be missed.
The talent fostered and nurtured by the Waterfront Theatre Company, under the wings of Delia Sainsbury, Paul Griffiths, Garth Tavares and Deon Bisschoff is truly inspiring and shines a beacon of hope for the future of musical theatre in South Africa. Their production of Footloose - the musical celebrates a bright future! Footloose - the musical is indeed the word at the Masque Theatre! It's sexy and sassy. What more can anyone ask for? Well done Delia Sainsbury and the Waterfront Theatre Company for warming up the winter blues and infusing us with a smile and some trick moves.
Footloose - the Musical is on at The Masque Theatre from Wednesday to Saturdays at 8pm, and at 2.30pm and 6.30pm on Sundays until 7 September. To book phone +27 (0)21 788 1898 or email az.oc.ertaehteuqsam@sgnikoob.
Read more about Footloose and other live shows at www.writingstudio.co.za/page1746.html.
