REVIEW: FOOTLOOSE – THE MUSICAL
SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE
Approaching the end of its long 2016 UK tour, this is an outstanding new production based on the 1984 hit movie starring Kevin Bacon.
Chicago teenager Ren McCormack, energetically played by Luke Baker, is forced to move with his mother to Bomont, an American rural backwater.
He attends the local high school but is amazed to discover that the small town has banned dancing. This is because the local preacher – stylishly played by David J. Higgins – considers it unsuitable for young people as his son and three others were killed in a car crash returning from a night out dancing.
Featuring a multi-talented young cast who act, sing, dance, and play musical instruments with infectious vivacity, this is a hugely enjoyable show.
American accents are spot-on, stage sets are creatively imaginative, vocal harmonies are rich and full, costumes are colourfully convincing, choreography sparkles, and the waitress playing sax on roller skates sums up the versatility of this exceptional cast.
This lively musical features some memorable numbers – Somebody’s Eyes encapsulates small town intrusiveness, Holding Out For A Hero is just a great rock song, Let’s Hear It For The Boy is a feel-good anthem, and the iconic finale Footloose resulted in a standing ovation.
Maureen Nolan excels on Can You Find It In Your Heart; Gareth Gates nails Mama Says.
Footloose – The Musical sizzles with youthful rebellion and romance.
Runs until Saturday with Thursday and Saturday matinees.
Brendan McCusker
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here