(Photo credit: JCC CenterStage Facebook page)
“Footloose: The Musical” is based on the 1984 cult classic “Footloose.” It follows the story of Ren McCormick, a rebellious high schooler who leaves his home in Chicago with his mom after his parents’ divorce. The two relocate to the small town of Bomont, where rock-and-roll and dancing have been outlawed. As Ren struggles to find his way in the small town he falls for Ariel Moore, the daughter of the town’s preacher, who has a wild streak of her own. The two join forces to show the town (and her dad) that music and dance can indeed be good for the soul.
As the price of putting a show on Broadway has skyrocketed, one emerging trend is to take a familiar favorite, put it to music, and hopefully fill the seats. Some have been done with great success, others not so much. Regardless where your preference sits, there is much to enjoy about JCC CenterStage’s production of “Footloose: the Musical.”
CenterStage has a long history of putting some of the best actors in the area on its stage. Typically, one of their shows each season features a very talented teen-heavy cast. “Footloose: the Musical” checks both of those boxes.
There were many performers who stood out, starting with William Paxton (Ren McCormick.) He wowed the audience with his dancing. His impressive array of backflips, handstands, and tumbles felt perfect in the midst of the Olympics. I’m pretty sure even the Russian judges would have given him high marks. He showed range by projecting in the rebellious rallycry “I’m Free/Heaven Help Me” while harmonizing a sweet, soft duet with Ariel (Olivia Haddox) in “Almost Paradise.”
Olivia’s vocal talent was ever-present throughout the show. Her powerful voice shined in “Holding Out For a Hero.” She displayed emotion and longing in “Learning To Be Silent” when she sang with the talented Jillian Cain (Vi Moore) and Ren’s on-stage (and WIlliam’s real-life) mother Alexis Paxton (Ethel McCormack.) Olivia’s acting was just as strong. This was best shown in her scenes with Frank Goodloe (Rev. Shaw Moore) as she transformed from an adoring girl following her dad’s religious ways to a strong woman forging her own path.
Ariel’s best friend Rusty (Leilani Bracey) is a bubbly, fast-talking, teen. Leilani portrayed her perfectly. Her endless energy and strong vocal range lit-up the stage. This was evident in her performance of “Let’s Hear It For the Boy.” As she pines for Ren’s best friend Willard Hewitt (Jackson Trowbridge) she went from lower soulful notes to belting-out exuberant highs.
Willard’s character is like a great dane puppy. Big, loveable, yet unsteady on his own feet. Jackson played him to perfection. His performance of “Mama Says (You Can’t Back Down)” might have been the show’s scene-stealer. Like his character, it was big, funny, and sung with great bravado and comedic chops. Surely his mama said, “bravo!”; the audience certainly did.
For a town that has banned dancing, they could have fooled the audience. From the opening number to the finale, the choreography was outstanding. Every cast member was energetic and in-sync as they “kicked-off their Sunday shoes.”
Lastly, I have to applaud the CenterStage set design team. The massive bridge served as an important backdrop in several scenes. It provided the perfect setting for Ren and Ariel as they opened-up and shared their painful pasts with one another. It was impactful.
“Footloose: the Musical” has shows on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 8 at the Trager Family JCC.
