Theater Review: Footloose

by Mark-Brian Sonna of MBS Productions

For $20 you get quite the show.

Footloose is being presented by Repertory Company Theatre (RCT) at the Courtyard Theatre in Plano and given the budget constraints for a smaller theatre company, this is a snazzy production. The musical, based on the 1980s film about a Chicago transplant living in Beaumont and coping with the restrictive ordinance preventing any form of dancing, launched Kevin Bacon’s career. The film was never a great movie but it was fun to watch. This film was turned into a Broadway musical that was generally panned. It’s clear why this musical didn’t fare well on Broadway: when ticket prices hover at the century mark you have got to deliver.

Footloose is a weak musical even though this performance is not. The songs from the movie are there but now they are being sung by the cast as part of the plot – in the movie the music played over the scenes. Because the characters now sing the songs, the dialogue leading up to the song feels forced as it attempts to wedge the tune into the storyline. In the dramatic scenes the script falls into predictable melodrama. I found myself guessing what the next line would be and I usually was right; yes, the script is that trite. Because of its clever lyrics, the only song and lead up that really works is "Mama Says" sung by the adorable Drew Kelly in the role of Willard. The song "Footloose" holds up well, but I was surprised to discover "Let’s Hear it for the Boy" which was a #1 hit and my favorite from the soundtrack fall flat. It hasn’t aged well, perhaps why it hasn’t been covered by any current pop singers.

Because the musical is about dancing, I went in with high expectations. They were met. The choreography by Kym Buchly is fabulous. It isn’t the most complex choreography but it captures the 80’s feel and none of the steps are over the dancer’s ability so the timing and the precision is spot on making it dazzle. I’d much rather see a simpler dance step executed well then a complex one delivered weakly. It also captured the raw intensity of youth from that era. There were many clever choreographic moments. I always complain about choreographers bringing a prop on stage and then the dancers do nothing with it worthwhile (see my most recent review regarding the use of basketballs for High School Musical). At one point black umbrellas were brought on stage and the number was completely inventive from start to finish.

The performances of the very large cast were good with a few standouts. Curt Mega as Ren McCormack, the transplant from Chicago, is dynamic, effusive, and at one point is called on to do some serious acting and pulls it off. I’ve seen Mr. Mega before and while I have enjoyed his performances in the past, he really impressed me with this show. The intolerant Rev. Shaw Moore was a standout and played with lots of intensity by Darin Fimple. It was a gutsy performance; kudos. Laura Alley as Wendy Jo worked her lines (and some of them are clunkers) and was able to somehow overcome them and make her character utterly charming. The same can be said for Robin Clayton, her Urleen was a bundle of electric energy.

Michelle Breedlove the director has done a fantastic job of staging this large a show. The cast of 30 never crowded the stage. The action flowed, the compositions were very pleasing to behold and reinforced the plot. She has a strong command in how to direct a “big” musical which is a challenge unto itself. I think of how many times big budget theatre groups and traveling shows come to town and the staging is a mess. She could easily direct at the Fair Park Music Hall, she understands directing on this large a scale. There’s a confidence to her direction. The same can be said in her costuming. She got the “look” just right.

I don’t know who was in charge of the hair design on the kids but it was nailed perfectly with one exception: the lead, Ren. His hair was too flowing and cut in the 00’s style. It had a bit of a 70’s retro feel to it but the show is definitely an 80’s period piece. Being the kid from the “hip” town he should have been the most fashion forward with his hair. This is a minor complaint. I did have to smile for the “Flock of Seagulls” hair on some of the boys, and the “lion” style on some of the women. They must have fun styling themselves nightly. I know I enjoyed looking at all the hair.

The only other complaint was the volume of the show. LOUDER! The music was too soft and the singers too. Everyone is miked and it’s a pre-recorded orchestration so all that needs to be done is to have the volume turned up. With that much gusto dancing I wanted to rock out. It’s hard to do that when the music and the singing is done too softly.

With this much talent in the production and on stage, it’s almost a shame that it’s not put to better use with a different and better show. I have yet to see a production of High School Musical that has impressed me, but this group could do it justice. They could do wonders with Grease. As it stands, Footloose is remarkably enjoyable despite the nature of the weak material.

As I said at the top of this review for $20 it is well worth the entertainment dollar. Heck, it would be worth it at $30. Too bad they didn’t have mugs for sale.