Richmond Theatre, 15th- 18th May. Reviewed By Jessica Brady
The beautiful Richmond Theatre played host to a new production of FOOTLOOSE last night and it was a real toe tapping treat. Despite a slightly late curtain up, the show didn’t disappoint.
The story follows a young disgruntled teen, Ren [played by Joshua Dowling], moving into the small Bible belt town of Beaumont after his father left his mother [Played by Lindsay Goodhand] and him in Chicago. Ren struggles to integrate into the community that is plagued by tragedy after 4 teens died in a car accident 5 years previously. As a result of that accident, the town’s council imposed new laws, one of which was a ban on dancing to protect the teens of the town from corruption that could threaten the religious integrity of the youths. The town is ruled by its reverend [Played by Reuven Gershon] who’s son was killed in the accident and he tries to control the lives of people in the town as well as his young teenage daughter Ariel [Played by Hannah Price]. Ariel is the dutiful daughter in front of her mother [Played by Maureen Nolan] and father, but often goes out and rebels to escape the tight leash that holds her back. Her relationship with the town’s rough and ready Chuck [Played by Connor Going] often means she is controlled even more so as he is the bully that nobody wants to mess with. Ren makes it his mission along with his new and slightly dumb friend Willard [Played by Gareth Gates] to win the town round and make the teens of the town teenagers again and make them realise that living the way they do isn’t the norm and that a school dance would bring everyone together again.
The show has a super talented cast who all act as the band for the show playing a range of instruments along with dancing, acting and incredible vocals. I have seen a few actor musician shows over the years but this was one of the best of this type I have seen. Each member of the cast swaps and changes instruments with ease and you quickly accept the way the show is presented with characters playing on stage in scenes. Lots of multi roles happen in the show that show off real skill which makes for very entertaining viewing.
Special mentions must go to Gareth Gates who absolutely shines in the comedy role of Willard; he has incredible skill as a physical comedian and was a complete standout in this show which I was really happy to see. I also loved the three girls Rusty [Played by Laura Sillett] Urleen [Played by Gracie Lai] and Wendy-Jo [Played by Emma Fraser] who all had fantastic voices and comic timing not to mention heaps of sass! Joshua Dowen as Ren was a good choice, full of energy and charisma that suited the role well.
The staging was great and well used in different settings but I felt the lighting on stage was generally a little dark and the follow spots seemed to have problems knowing who to follow at times which was a little distracting. The cast to begin with seemed a little nervous and frantic [possibly a result of the late curtain up] but soon settled down and gave the show the powerful punch it needed.
Some great cheesy songs, packed with energy and fun, great choreography and an all round fun show, Footloose gives you a great feel good factor that will have you singing and dancing all the way home.