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Based
on the successful 1980s movie starring Kevin Bacon this brand new
production of 'Footloose' has just embarked upon a long national tour
with the option of a West End transfer.
The story may be simple, teens overcome adult repression through the
will to dance, and a clash with religion in small town USA, but the
energy of this fast-paced musical seen through the eyes of main character
and new boy on the block Ren McCormack (played by Chris Jarvis) is
fast paced with an urgency that demands your attention.
| Plenty
of musical numbers |
There
are plenty of musical numbers, from the opening 'Footloose', full
of movement and a foretaste to the style of the show which majors
heavily on dance, exploiting well the talents of its key players.
There are the classics 'Holding out for a Hero', 'Let's Hear it
for the Boy' and 'Almost Paradise' - additionally softer and more
reflective numbers such as 'Learning to be Silent' and 'Can You
Find it in Your Heart' - both performed by the adults played with
style by Marilyn Cutts (Vi Moore) a lady with a great musical theatre
pedigree and the well known actor Oliver Tobias, who is equally
well cast as the blinkered Reverend Moore.
As
with all big production musicals this is a team effort and led by
its star, the highly talented dancer Chris Jarvis, who deserves
great praise for his non-stop performance.
It also includes some strong individual performances, Rachael Wooding
as Reverend Moore's daughter Ariel and local rough guy Chuck played
by Richard Taylor Woods, who make the most of their secret and sizzling
relationship by giving a stirring performance of 'The Girl Gets
Around'.
Taylor James is perfect as the slow-witted Willard, friend of Ren,
who only comes to life once he gets the urge to dance and amazingly
shows everyone just what he can do.
| Playing
to a full house will be the norm! |
Directed
by Paul Kerryson and with choreography by Karen Bruce this is the
kind of show that will no doubt achieve a huge following as it tours
the UK well into the summer and I have a feeling that 'full houses'
like tonight's could become somewhat the norm.
Clive Fuller.
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