Let's hear it for the boys -- and girls -- of "Footloose." After taking well-deserved bows in the new Good Company Players production at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater, the members of the dance ensemble launch into one last frenzied recap of the '80s pop hits that buttress this slight but amiable musical. Kicking up their heels to such tunes as "Let's Hear It for the Boy," "Holding Out for a Hero" and of course the title song, the dancers in the show expend several thousand community calories just saying farewell to the audience.
I feel like I got a workout just watching them. And all I did was eat half a piece of chocolate cake.
"Footloose" is the kind of show, however, that elevates your heart rate just watching it. (Or was that the cake?) That's especially true if you're old enough to remember those '80s hits when they first came out -- along with all the fashion excesses and amusing acoutrements of the era. When Daniel Rodriguez, who plays the lead character of Ren McCormack, the rebellious Chicago high school transplant who finds himself in a dinky Texas farm town, came out on stage wearing an old-fashion cassette-player Walkman -- as big as a loaf of bread! -- I just had to smile. Remember when we thought that was small?
It didn't take long for the 1984 movie version of "Footloose" to make its way to the Broadway stage in 1998. And it didn't take long for some critics to bash it, complaining that its minor pop-hit retreads and sanitized sentimentality made it just one more Hollywood-film musical rip-off.
That's not my take. I think "Footloose" is good, sweet fun with a tremendous amount of heart. In this peppy production, director Scott Hancock balances the hyperactivity with well-played tenderness. The enthusiasm, as well as the introspection, is infectious. That's a tantalizing combination.
As Ren adjusts to his new life in a small town, he quickly figures out who's in charge. That would be the Rev. Shaw Moore (Mark Halverson), the strict minister who has decreed that the town of Bomont shall be forever dance-free. Such a restriction chafes at the free-spirited Ren, and as he negotiates new relationships, including a keen romantic interest in the minister's daughter, Ariel (Caitlin Stevenson), and a blossoming friendship with Willard (Taylor Babcock), a goofy cowboy, he learns that young-buck bravado isn't always enough to get the status-quo changed. "Footloose" requires communication between the generations, not just talking at each other -- which in itself is an intriguing theme.
Another strong plot thread involves the relationship between the minister and his wife, Vi (a strong and affecting Ashley Wilkinson), which gives the show much of its quiet impact.
The dancing is a huge part of the show, of course, and Kaye Migaki's '80s choreography is a treat. Andrea Hendrickson's lighting design made a strong impression on me, too, doing much to set a tonal balance between the musical's flashy and sentimental bits. Scenic designer David Pierce always has a challenge dealing with the small Roger Rocka's stage, and in this case, he does a particularly fine job dealing with numerous scene changes. (I like the industrial-grade textures and colors, which capture the rural, hard-working feel of the town .)
In terms of acting: Stevenson, an alum of Children's Musical Theaterworks, is terrific as the headstrong Ariel. Her character is saucy, but her rebelliousness is flecked with maturity. With her strong voice and dynamic stage presence, Stevenson shines both in upbeat numbers ("Holding Out for a Hero") and more reflective moments (the sweet duet "Almost Paradise.")
Halverson, as Rev. Shaw, is extremely well cast, with a poignant singing voice and a strong, pulpit-worthy air. Gaylon Strickling, as Ariel's wrong-side-of-the-tracks boyfriend, is appealing. One of my favorites in the cast is Babcock, who really shines as the earnest Willard. (His performance of "Mama Says," backed by a strong quartet of men, is a show highlight.) I've seen Babcock in a number of Good Company shows, and in this one, I think, he reaches new levels of confidence and stage impact.
Rodriguez, as the central character of Ren, has a little harder time making a mark in this production. His strong tenor voice seems a little out of Ren's range, but that really isn't the problem. I've seen Rodriguez in many Children's Musical Theaterworks shows (this is his GCP debut) and always am impressed with his talent, but on opening night of "Footloose," he lacked a certain oomph that Ren needs. Is that fault in the direction? Or first-night jitters? It was particularly the case during the opening scenes. I think the character should be more hip -- with a more rebellious, bad-boy attitude. It doesn't help that Ginger Kay Lewis-Reed's costume for Ren (white shirt and generic jeans that are decidedly non-'80s-style) doesn't do much to set the scene. And though Hancock should be lauded for his brisk pace, the opening scenes perhaps fly by at too rapid a clip, and we don't get the introduction to this character that we need.
Still, Rodriguez is an enthusiastic dancer, and in his character's dramatic moments with the minister, especially, he starts to channel the chemistry that I know is there. He helps make those closing moments of "Footloose" soar. I'm sure that as the run progresses, we'll find him more easily cutting loose.
That's wonderful to hear young new talents like Babcock achieve new heights. And Rodriguez continuing his strong presence in local theatre. I hope to see both of them in this, as well as many future productions to come!
Wow. Awesome review Donald. This is now a show I definitely have to check out when I come visit. Can't wait! :)
I agree Taylor Babcock does his best acting job in this production. My Favorite part in the movie has always been the "Lets Hear it for the Boy" scene where Ren teaches his friend how to dance and it didn't disappoint me in this production.Another highlight are the leads singing "Almost Paradise" They reach the level of Mike Reno and Ann Wilson who recorded the Hit Version.
Dance your *ss off!
Okay, it's no secret that I'm becoming a "Footloose" groupie, but I really really love this show.
And it's one of those that I think has such universal appeal. "Non-theatre" people will love the 80's throwback and high energy, music connoisseurs have to at least appreciate (if not love) the vocals, and everyone else is just going to have fun.
Seriously. See it. :)
Fun to watch, but it screams High School. It is one of the most amateur productions I have ever seen at GCP. I am disappointed, but what can I expect from a "director" like - Scott Hancock.
And Jamie Ryan needs to be removed from that place, he looks awful up there. Seriously? I can't believe they let him get away with what he does. Did anyone see how bad he did in the last show? Give me a break!
Where did all of the regular Good Normal acting guys go?
What is happening to GCP?
I didn't renew my season tickets this year....
Wow. And we thought the sniping over high school shows was juvenile.
Look, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but that comment is just uncalled for. The best use of this blog is for an open debate and constructive criticism.
A word to the wise-- if you have something to say and want to be taken seriously, make it constructive. This sort of petty bile just smacks of "I didn't get cast" sour grapes.
And do me a favor. If you must post comments like these, at least review basic grammar and learn when to use capitalized emphasis (not to mention punctuation).
I thought of one more thing! ;)
I also take issue with the comment, "screams high school." Some of the best moments in local theater I've seen were by high school students. Obviously, your comment was intended to mean "young and amateur," but the metaphor simply doesn't work in this area.
Tacky tacky tacky. I highly doubt you even have Season Tickets... (Maybe Mom and Dad decided against them because you weren't cast).
Wow, someone must have not been cast in Footloose. Perhaps, however, it was one that just auditioned a bit more recently, eh? The timing of your post is quite telling.
To clear a few things up:
1: Your right, my grammar and puncuation, in this and the previous comment is bad. Thank you, for pointing that out.
2. No. I do have season tickets to CSUF, 2nd Space, CMT, and used to have them at Roger Rocka's as well. But did not renew them this year because I had to cut back due to financial issues, and Rocka's seemed to be the one to cut. I did this because I have not been pleased with several of
the more recent shows there. I have a close friend who is in the cast of Footloose (No, I will not mention the name), and they gave me a free ticket to Footloose.
3. Ashley, please tell me which high school show you saw that was outstanding! I would like to know! Don't just throw that at my comment, back it up and tell me what you are talking about. I love to watch theatre, and would like to know of this wonderful high school.
4. The last time I did a show at Good Company Players was in 1989, I am still close with a ton of other veterans from the place. I was actually in the Jr. Company when I was a youngster. So, no I did not audition and not make it in.
5. I did not hate Footloose - but it was not a good show. It is not what Roger Rocka's used to be. This has been the trend of theatre in Fresno, esp. at GCP. You see more and more of the untalented people get cast in the shows - because the talented, reliable, hard working actors don't
audition anymore. I thought The Will Rogers Follies was fantastic. Another, avorite was The King And I, Millie, Beauty, Miss Saigon, and Forum. Those shows were great! And in no way came off like this show did.
6. I enjoyed the two leads. They were fun to watch, but had several flaws. It's community theatre and GCP is not a professional theatre company. Congrats to them. The only thing I would say is that they don't have much chemistry. I know they are dating (or are good friends?), but it doesn't come off well onstage. Although I must say Arial has a stellar voice. Other standouts in the show: Arials bad-boy boyfriend Chuck, was great! The energy was very contagious. He was a little weak on his song - you can obviously tell he is not a tenor.
The part of Willard was so poorly played, it was embarassing to watch. This novice does not know what he is doing up there. Walked right through the obvious jokes, and overplayed the others. He took a genuine and honest *tough guy*, who loves his mama just a tad too much - and turned him into some overacting, nerdy, bewilderd charcter. Is this HIS fault or the directors?
Ren's mother was well played, at most times. The Reverand even did pretty good - although tended to overact (esp. in his songs). The trio of girls...
**grabbing my program for reference**
...was very disapointing. I can't remember which one, but the darker haired trio girl, should not have been cast in that role. It is a bad fit for her, and her voice. Rusty was amatuer, and seemed nervous. Where was Mason? She would have been outstanding! Did anyone catch her in Chicago?
Did I mention how great that dancing looked! WOW congratulations to Kaye, another outstanding choreography challenge met! Technical aspects were just fine, the set worked - mostly. Everything else didn't jump out at bad (which is a good thing), but didn't overwhelm the actual show itself (another good thing). Vi had troubles the night I saw the show. She had somewhat of a character going, but dropped it in her songs. That was sad to see happen. She needs more work, I look forward to seeing her grow as an
actress down the road.
Once again, I need to get back to my thing about Mr Briceno. Jaime would have been great in Producers as Carmen Ghia! But, not in Footloose and definitly not in Somethings Afoot. This is a problem I have seen in GCP shows the past few years. A tendancy to say "It's OK you can act Gay onstage - you can't help it"...
When NO! There have been so many gay actors, when onstage you can't tell what sexual preference they have. I am not personally attacking this young man. I am attacking the fact that GCP is allowing this to take place. When I was still performing, there was no tolerance for this, at all.
NOW: Please do not get me wrong, I am in noooo way gay bashing here. I am a strong supporter of the Gay community and have so many great gay friends. But I am not OK with changing the original context of show, and allowing someone to act this way.
Please comment back on all of this, I would like to know all of your
opinions!!
-Concerned.
"Concerned", do you, actually, hold high school performances to the same standards that you do other theaters? Perhaps, Ashley saw a great production at a high school on a high school level. I, for one, have also seen a few very well done HIGH SCHOOL productions ( No, I won't name them, because I don't trust you). However, I have the amazing ability to walk into a high school show and take it for what it's worth. Most high school shows are learning experiences and when talen shines through, it's amazing, when hard work takes center stage it's comendable.
As for your extensive bashing of Jamie. For shame. Obviously, you've something against this kid. It's one thing to offer up constructive critisism it's quite another to go into an extensive name dropping snit about the young man. Whether your critique holds merit or not, it is lost in the little tyrade.
Did you know that Mr. Hancock also directed "Will Roger Follies". Since you were in a rush to slam him in the first post, I thought you'd like to know.
Also, it's in very poor taste to slam a show and a company when you used a comp ticket. I feel for the poor fool who gave it to you. At least have the cajones to post your name along with your bash.
As for "Footloose", IMO, it's not a strong script, so what came from it was quite wonderful. It's not a show that will draw the seasoned GCP vets ( and wouldn't it be silly to see them up there?). IMO, the movie script was weak, as well. I'm with Mr. Munro with a hats off to the company for this one.
Okay, I'll bite. :)
Clovis East is doing "Titanic" right now. It's amazing.
I saw Footloose Thursday night and thought is was very entertaining. I enjoy going to Roger Rocka's and leting people serve me dinner and entertain me. I think 'Concerned' is getting to old and should retire from bashing our local plays. I don't think 'Concerned' ever watched the original Footloose movie otherwise he would have known that the young man did an excellant job portraying Wllard. The "Mama Says" number was one of the best songs in this musical. High five to the young Babcock and the director.
I saw "Footloose" this last weekend and had a great time! The only thing I have to "complain" about is that most of the cast seemed very tired. But that ensemble! My goodness! They were great! Overall this new "young cast" kept me very entertained. I think you should get tickets and go see this show. =)
I thought Footloose was magnificent. Especially the two leads, Rodriguez and Stevenson. They had great on-stage chemistry that you couldn't help but smile when they touched. As for the choreography, that was amazing due to the small stage GCP has. I thought Migaki did a fantastic job and bring back old dance moves.