Based on the 1980’s film sensation of the same name, Footloose The Musical is certainly a trip down memory lane with some 80’s classic hits like Holding Out for A Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, and of course the brilliant Kenny Loggins title track Footloose.
This Selladoor Production, directed by Racky Plews and choreographed by Matt Cole was adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. Currently playing at the Opera House Manchester, and then continuing to move around the regional theatres of the UK.
The story of this musical is pretty much identical to the film. A young man, Ren McCormack, who loves to pass his time dancing in the clubs, and his mother Ethel, who both come from Chicago, are forced to relocate due to financial pressures, to a small town in the middle of nowhere called Bomont.
This small town is heavily governed by a church Minister and parish council. Certainly a far more conservative town than Ren is used to and this causes him to become a rebel with a cause in the eyes of the locals.
Falling out of favour with most of the adults and especially the Reverend Shaw Moore who has previously passed a law to ban dancing in the town. Ren makes it his mission to get the town dancing again. Fast forward through some initial bloody scrapes and then the romancing of the ministers daughter, Ren finds himself facing up to the very man who laid down the law, Rev Shaw Moore.
Can Ren change his mind and get the town dancing
Overall this is an excellent production and when people talk about performers being a “triple threat” (singer/dancer/actor) – this cast goes one step further by also being a musician and playing an instrument live on stage too! Each of them at some point are very cleverly staged to be picking up an instrument and accompanying the musical director as part of the orchestra and cast.
Taking the lead role of Ren McCormack is Joshua Hawkins and he gives a very strong performance throughout. A very talented singer and dancer who drives this story from start to finish.
At school, after being threatened with a beating and going along with it, Ren quickly befriends the beater, a slow-witted cowboy called Willard Hewitt. Popular stage and music star Jake Quickenden gives us hugely comedic and lovable Willard.
At school, after being threatened with a beating and going along with it, Ren quickly befriends the beater, a slow-witted cowboy called Willard Hewitt. Popular stage and music star Jake Quickenden gives us hugely comedic and lovable Willard.
Quickenden is brilliantly cast in the role and he has the audience laughing with his clumsy but loyal character. Perfectly put together, Quickenden also doesn’t disappoint when he does a quick strip down to nothing but his golden hotpants, cowboy boots and a smile.
Hawkins and Quickenden work seamlessly together in their double act of straight man and stooge. Their comedy timing is spot on.
Ren’s new love interest, the ministers daughter Ariel Moore is played by Lucy Munden. Frustrated by her fathers strict rules, Ariel seeks excitement by rebelling at every occasion. Munden gives us a fantastic Ariel, perfectly acted and a very strong vocal. Beneath the rebellious daughter is a vulnerable young woman who is desperate for her father Rev Shaw Moore’s attention.
Rev. Shaw Moore is reliably portrayed by one of the UK’s most popular and experienced musical theatre leading men, Darren Day. As you would expect, Day is able to deliver a very strong and commanding Shaw Moore, with perfectly presented acting and singing.
As mentioned earlier, this cast have a lot to do in this show with many of the supporting actors playing instruments on top of dual characters, as the show unfolds.
The staging and choreography pushed the cast with fast paced and fun routines. As a dancer, it was evident to me that the staging and choreography had been set to cater for smaller stages, as at times it felt like the dancers just didn’t have the space to fully execute the steps and were limited on how much they could give.
The rest of the cast can’t go unmentioned because although there are the leads, the supporting cast are equally stars in this production. They are ever present on stage be that singing, acting, dancing, in the orchestra or moving scenery/props.
Holly Ashton gives great performance doubling up as the reverends wife Vi Moore and Principal Clark. A beautiful voice and perfectly cast.
Geri Allen plays Rens mother Ethel and also Betty and The Coach. Again, another strong performance with great vocals.
As Ariels trio of loyal friends Rusty, Urleen and Wendy-Jo, Oonagh Cox, Samantha Richards and Jess Barber are extremely tight with their comedy, harmonies and choreography. All three of them certainly stand out and work brilliantly together. Oonagh Cox also has a great performing relationship with Jake Quickenden as their characters eventually become a couple.
If you like your 80’s classics, this is certainly a high energy production that will have you on your feet and dancing at the end! This performance received a rapturous standing ovation which was very well deserved.
Footloose is running at the Opera House Manchester from Monday 28th February to Saturday 5th March 2022.
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/footloose/opera-house-manchester/
Review by Glen Clancy
The Biz 