“Footloose, the musical” celebrates the youthful endurance of teenagers in any era.
It’s a nostalgic trip back to the past for Playcrafters as they bring to the stage the energy of a dance party in the musical comedy, “Footloose, the musical.”
The production is reminiscent of the award-winning 1984 film, starring Kevin Bacon, where the angst of youth is portrayed against a backdrop of popular songs we’ve come to know and love. The two-hour, two-act play will feel more like a sentimental journey back to the carefree days of school, dances, parties, and more.
“The show features eighteen songs, including hits from the original soundtrack, plus some great new songs,” said Director Rachel Fisher. “It’s a modernized, timeless story.”
Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack (played by Andrew Campbell), a teenage boy from Chicago, who moves to the small midwestern town of Bomont with his mother (played by Holly Conrad-Smith), after his father abandons them. Upon arriving, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend Shaw Moore (played by Jeff McQuillen), who has convinced the town to outlaw dancing. With the help of Ariel, the reverend’s daughter (played by Tazmin Ratkowski) and Willard (played by Gregory Kooker), who becomes his best buddy, Ren convinces the reverend to let the teenagers dance and, in the process, helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.
“It’s partly a love story between Ren and Ariel,” said Fisher of the two main characters, who are upperclassmen at their high school. “The other part includes the relationship Ariel has with her father.”
“Footloose, the musical” celebrates the youthful endurance of teenagers in any era.
“Sometimes, it’s easy to look down on teenagers as silly and trivial,” noted Fisher. “But there’s a lot of strength in that age group. Teens may be superficial, but there’s also a deep caring [in them] that can make change in the world.”
With its stirring soundtrack, choreography, and heartfelt drama, the musical delivers a rewarding and uplifting energy that will linger long after leaving the theater.
If you go:
Playcrafters presents “Footloose, the musical”
2011 Store Road (The Barn) at Skippack Pike, Skippack
June 27, 28; July 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 @ 8 p.m.; June 29; July 12, 13 @ 2 p.m.
Tickets: $26.70
