Porthouse Theatre’s production of ‘Footloose’ delights and excites
“Footloose” got its start as the wildly popular 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon. In 1998 the movie was turned into a live musical as it made its appearance on Broadway to mixed reviews. Some critics thought the show was for the most part poor due to a weak script but the music and talented cast made it entertaining. In spite of this criticism, the show ran for 709 performances and garnered four Tony Award nominations (Best Book, Best Original Score, Best Performance by a Leading Actress and Best Choreography).
It takes quite a bit of courage to take what some would consider a flawed show and turn it into something spectacular but Porthouse Theatre has managed to do just that with their production of “Footloose.” The main elements needed to pull this performance off is enthusiasm and energy which this cast has plenty of From the opening number clear through to the same song finale this cast hits the stage running and does not let up. Even the so called weak script is carried through with excellent performances by the principals.
Ren McCormack and his mother Ethel are forced to leave their home in Chicago after her husband suddenly leaves them “to go find himself.” They accept an offer from Ethel’s sister and husband to stay with them in the small town of Bomont that is located somewhere smack dab in the middle of the Bible belt. Ren soon finds that his mischievous ways that made him endearing in Chicago tend to land him in hot water in his new town. Unbeknownst to him, a fatal car crash five years earlier that killed four teenagers returning from a dance (where drugs and alcohol may have been present) have resulted in laws being passed by the town council (controlled by the Reverend Shaw Moore) that has banned unsupervised dancing among other teenage pursuits.
Over the course of the show, Ren falls in love with the wayward daughter of the minister, manages to unite the youth of the school in a show of solidarity at the town council meeting (where their request for a prom is denied) and later convinces Reverend Moore that there is nothing inheriting wrong with shaking your booty.
The stellar cast of Porthouse’s production of “Footloose” includes Paul Schwensen* as Ren McCormack whose good looks, athletic ability (he gives a fine gymnastic display) and singing voice makes him perfectly suited for the part. Rob Albrecht gives a perfectly measured performance as Reverend Shaw Moore by showing compassion without over exaggerating the role. Lindsay Simon plays Ariel Moore with a helping of vulnerable sass that makes her endearing to the audience. Bernadette Hisey plays Vi Moore as the long suffering wife of the Reverend who is quietly trying to bring the family back together following the loss of their son in the car wreck five years earlier. Two other standouts in the performance were Dan Gettler* as Willard Hewitt and Kristen Hoffman as Rusty who provided the much needed comedy relief from an otherwise droll script as they portrayed star-crossed lovers who are doing everything in their power to avoid their inevitable romance. Dan’s role as Ren’s sidekick is also good for a bushel basket full of laughs.
No great show would be complete without the untiring efforts of the creative crew that included precise directing from Terri Kent, exceptionally creative choreography by Mary Ann Black, an outstanding orchestra comprised of Jonathan Swoboda (conductor and keyboard I) Alex Berko (Keyboard II), Craig Wohlschlager (Reeds that included a variety of instruments), Ryan McDermott (Guitar I), Erin Vaughn (Guitar II), Don T. Day (Bass), Sean Young (Drums) and Scott Thomas (Percussion).
The stage set consisted of distressed pieces of corrugated tin sheets with faded signs overlapping each other as well as a series of sliding entrances (one a barn door set stage center) and a double tiered walkway. Rolling props were brought in a positioned with ease. The costuming by Anne Medlock reflected well the 80s era of rural America with the formal prom wear a nice ending surprise. Yu (Leo) Lei provided the proper lighting atmosphere that set the mood for each scene and the superior sound design of the Porthouse Theatre once again came through loud and clears thanks to the efforts of Nathan Rosmarin.
Prude Alert: Some light profanity, suggestive talk and slight violence but nothing that should turn you away from an excellent performance.
Beefs and Flubs: This is a well thought out show that showed no distinguishable errors.
Shooting From the Lip (In My Opinion): This Porthouse Theatre production of “Footloose” is everything that outdoor summer theater is about. A mixed aged cast putting together an exciting exhibition of song, dance and acting that makes for a delightful evening under the stars.
Tickets are still available for performances of Porthouse Theatre’s production of “Footloose” and can be purchased by clicking HERE or by calling (330) 672-3884 or by stopping by the Porthouse Theatre Box Office that is located in the Roe Green Center lobby of the Kent State Center for the Performing Arts that is located at 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent, Ohio. The Box Office is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Single tickets for adults range from $22 to $40 and $20 to $34 for students and children with group rates for parties of 20 or more available.