The musical, based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon, is filled with wonderful songs and great dancing. The story follows Ren, a teenager, and his mother as they move from Chicago after the boy’s father leaves them cold. They move in with an aunt and uncle in a little town where, due to an accident some five years earlier in which four teens died, the local minister has convinced the town to adopt strict rules about drinking, parties, and dancing.
Ren (Matt Raftery gives Mr. Bacon a run for his money in his interpretation of this role) feels that the town is wrong and that dancing is a great release for young people.
Reverend Moore (the always reliable Larry Adams, who proves he can handle almost any role), however, appears to control the entire town. His wife (Cory Goodrich, who has a beautiful voice: "Can You Find it in Your Heart" will bring a tear to your eye) feels the loss of her son. Their son was one of four teens who were killed. As might be expected, the minister and his wife have drifted apart.
Their daughter Ariel (superbly played by Andrea Prestinario) rebels and runs around with the wrong guys, until Ren comes into the picture and true love begins to blossom.
This show is about more than just being able to dance—it is about overcoming fears and overcoming loss. It is about understanding oneself and fighting for what one believes in. It is also about listening to those around one, hearing what is being said, and letting go of the past, so that as one goes forward, he or she can enjoy the gifts that life has to offer.
Donica Lynn, Rebecca Pink, and Traci Allen play Ariel's three sidekicks and they are all powerhouse performers. (Ms. Lynn's "Let's Hear it for the Boy" is WOW!)
Robert Deason's Willard is just plain fun and the ensemble: Kent Haina, Peter Vamvakas, Sarah Kinsey, Robert Hildreth, Daniel Evan Castro, Matt Bugay, Scott Stratton, Tate Jorgensen, Travis Porchia, Laura E. Taylor, and Linda Andrews filled their roles perfectly.
The music by Tom Snow, the book by Walter Bobbie, and lyrics by Dean Pitchford are a sign of the times. Additional music is by Kenny Loggins, Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, and Jim Steinman. In addition to the title song "Footloose," we are treated to "Let's Hear it for the Boy," "Almost Paradise," and "Heaven Help Me."
Director and choreographer Stacey Flaster (who keeps getting stronger and stronger) uses the modest regional theater funding and smaller ensemble to full advantage. While there are less "adult" actors in this production, the young actors/dancers in this cast take on all types of characters and do so ably.
The set by Alan Schwanke works well in keeping the flow of action and the lighting by Tim Fandrei was flawless.
The musicians William Underwood (conductor and keyboards), Randy Glancy, Ken McMullen, Deb Johnson, Fred Miller, and Rich Alifantis were excellent. At times, the sound (by Victoria DeIorio) needed better balance between the body microphones onstage and the musicians.
Kudos also go to Nikki Delhomme (costumes), Libby Fandrei (props), and Kevin Barthel (wigs) for adding final touches to a wonderful evening.
Footloose
Theatre at the Center
1040 Ridge Road
Munster, Indiana
Tickets: 219-836-3255, 800-511-1552, or www.tickets.com
Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Closes: Aug. 16
Alan Bresloff writes about theater in and around Chicago.
