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FOOTLOOSE!

writeonarts

Updated: Mar 3, 2024

Director: Toni Garson

Musical Directors: Dane Moeke and Alex Pelham-Waerea

Choreographer: Tess Benseman

Producer: Riverlea Theatre



Back in the olden days when I was at high school, Footloose hit the big screen and was a massive success. Posters of the star Kevin Bacon adorned bedroom walls across the world including mine. Much to my horror, I was busted passing a note about Kevin in Social Studies and was made to stand up and read it to the class. I died dead of embarrassment. This core memory came flooding back while watching Riverlea Theatre’s end of year Footloose production on a sold-out opening night.


The storyline is simple. Ren McCormack (Felix Rowe) and his mother Ethel (Fiona Greaves) relocate from Chicago to Bomont, a small evangelical town in the middle of nowhere. A few years earlier, a group of had teens died in a car accident after a night out. Following that accident, a bylaw is passed forbidding anyone to drink or dance. Ren falls for Ariel (Ruby-Jane van Deursen), the rebellious daughter of Rev. Moore (Bruce Rawson) and Vi Moore (Christy Park). The Reverend’s stance against partying is due to them having lost a son in the accident. Ultimately, Ren convinces the powers that be to allow a dance to go ahead.


Rowe has had a busy 12 months, Footloose being his fifth theatre production in the year. Rowe is continuing to hone his craft through his studies at WINTEC, and the hard work is paying off. As Ren, he was compelling and charming. Just when you think Rowe can’t get any better, he proves via another role that his vocal abilities and acting chops are on the rise.

Van Deursen is a poised and talented performer. Ariel is a role that allows the actor to switch between butter-wouldn’t-melt daughter of a Reverend to rebellious teen. Van Deursen was an excellent choice for Ariel.


Greaves onstage relationship with Rowe was natural and believable. Noah Fortuin was a really good baddie. It was wonderful to see Fortuin out of the ensemble and in a named character role. Both Rawson and Park were marvelous choices given their beautiful voices. Zachary Clarke provided the laughs as Willard, a bumbling country bumpkin. “Mama Says” showcased Clarke’s comedic talent and physicality. The role of Rusty provides an opportunity to sing two of the big songs “Holding Out For A Hero” and “Let’s Hear It For The Boy.” Samantha Richards, a Year 11 student, really held her own giving a solid performance as Rusty.


The static set provided opportunities for great silhouettes via the lighting design. The moving set pieces were terrific and shifted by an efficient and inconspicuous crew (top marks).


Tracey Wilson’s costumes were well curated and fitted. The highlight of the costuming was the final scene at the dance featuring 80s frocks that would have made note-passing high school me keel over with jealousy. It was a visual feast of extraordinary fabrics, puffy sleeves and sweetheart necklines. I applaud her choices and vision.


Director Toni Garson once again delivered a show that used the cast and stage to full potential. Garson has a knack of finding opportunities to keep the action moving in interesting ways, such as the slow ensemble walk during “Somebody’s Eyes.”


Choreographer Tess Benseman had everyone moving in unison (except you, Willard) and produced high energy routines that were flawless. The Finale and Megamix were breath-taking. Benseman also had a strong troupe of trained dancers who added extra flare.


The two stars of the show weren’t even on stage. Dane Moeke and Alex Pelham-Waerea joined forces to musically direct together. Both are accomplished vocalists and their experience shone through particularly in the harmonies that were beyond what was scored. Moeke and Pelham-Waerea are a formidable team, and hopefully Footloose marks the start of a long relationship of working on production teams together.


The season of Footloose goes through to 9 December 2023. However, you’ll need to get in quick. Footloose has almost sold out. Everybody, cut Footloose!


Photo - Kerry Blakeney-Williams

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