We last performed this show in 2011 and our capacity audiences were delighted with what became a new era for KMTC. We are sure we will fill those seats again this time!
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
Production Team:
| Director | Ashley Woodhouse |
| Musical Director | Wil Jones |
| Choreographer | Judith Chapman |
| Stage Director | Colin Mitchell |
| Stage Management | Diane Jackson |
| Wardrobe | Sarah Hibbert |
| Lighting | Mark Remde |
| Sound | Oliver Trenouth |
| Box Office | Helen Tate |
Our Cast
| Ren McCormack | Fen Greatley-Hirsch |
| Ariel Moore | Emily Whitehouse |
| Reverend Moore | Mark Hutchinson |
| Vi Moore | Laura Judge |
| Ethel McCormack | Jill Whitehouse |
| Rusty | Chloe Judge |
| Willard | James Windle |
| Chuck | K. Ellis |
| Urleen | Katie Westwood |
| Wendy Jo | Alice Chapman |
| Coach Dunbar | Andy Los |
| Jeter | Luke Scott |
| Lyle | Lucie Gill |
| Bickle | Max Hibbert |
| Travis | |
| Garvin | Adam Drinkall |
| Wes Warnicker | Howard Clements |
| Lulu Warnicker | Phoenix Bass |
| Cowboy Bob | Chris Bentley |
| Principal Clark | Leah Ogrizovic |
| Betty Blast | Paula Lawler |
| Eleanor | Georgina Stretch |
| Cop | Jonny Tate |
| Towns Person | Ema Thompson |
| Ensemble | |
|
Aimee Bilbrough |
Eva Kitching |
It was joyous to see so many young people on stage at the Victoria Hall this week in Keighley Musical Theatre Company’s production of Footloose. And good to see that the people of Keighley did get behind the production with a late rush on ticket sales to see this enjoyable and thoroughly energetic production.
Footloose is based on a true story about dancing being banned by a small-town community in Oklahoma, as a result of a tragic accident. Because of this, the show has much more emotional depth than many similar juke-box musicals. It is also packed with humour and great songs- an irresistible combination. And the cast gave it every ounce of commitment to produce a wonderful evening of entertainment.
The opening medley takes us from downtown Chicago direct to morning service in Bomont. An audience dotted with actors added interest to the staging. Set in front of some very creative projections, scenery was minimal to allow a good flow between scenes. The choreography by Judith Chapman, was excellent throughout, and the concerted numbers were a strong feature of the night.
The school-aged principal team was headed up by Fen Greatley-Hirsch as Ren who is not welcomed in his new home by anyone. Ariel (Emily Whithouse) impressed as the recalcitrant minister’s daughter. These two were particularly strong in their train line scene, when they both open up to the truth and then sing ‘Almost Paradise’- a pivotal moment in their relationship played by both with great sensitivity. Comedy was injected by Willard and Rusty, played by James Windle and Chloe Judge. Chloe had strong support from Alice Chapman and Katie Westwood. Let’s hear it for the Boy was great fun as the girls sing while the boys try to teach Willard how to dance.
One of the show’s highlights was the comedy song Mama Says when James was joined by Max Hibbert, Luke Scott and Adam Drinkall. The comedy choreography was great. Good dancing, chaps! And they left the stage to cheers with an encore factored into the plans!
Footloose allows a variety of opportunities for actors of all ages and there was a strong team in the parent generation. Laura Judge was very believable as Vi, the ministers wife. Her song Can You Find it in Your Heart was really moving and sensitively explored the relationship between the minister and his daughter. Fortunately, it ended with her persuading her husband to look more favourably upon dancing too. Cue the final megamix when everyone’s stamina is tested. But it is the perfect ending to the show, as everyone shows off their dancing skills.
The show swings along so well largely as a result of a fantastic band led by Wil Jones, MD. Well done Ashley Woodhouse on a strong directorial debut. And how wonderful to see Keighley’s long-standing Stage Manager Diane Bruce featured in the programme alongside others in the production team. This was a wonderful addition to the programme.
Two small points. I did wonder quite where in the US we were located for fictional Bomont, there seemed to be a wide range of accents. And I’m not sure Wikipedia existed in 1984. But that’s just me- I’m a ‘spotter’, that’s my job.
Congratulations to everyone for some wonderful entertainment, may you long continue leaping and dancing before your audience. Leaping and dancing!
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