Review: Energy Of 'Footloose' Cast Could Fuel A City
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
How many times a person has seen the movie version of "Footloose" and how much they like it will affect whether or not they enjoy Wagon Wheel Theatre's production of the musical version.
It's difficult not to compare the two, even when you try not to. And for someone who has seen the Kevin Bacon movie more times than I can remember, I had to keep telling myself not to compare. Not an easy task.
But what sets WWT's "Footloose" apart from the 1984 movie is the high energy of the cast. Opening night Wednesday, their energy was blaring like a boombox at a house party. They were having so much fun on the stage, it was ridiculous. So while the musical itself isn't as stellar as the movie (I miss the tractor chicken scene), the company of extremely talented actors kick it out of the ballpark.
And leading the ensemble is the multi-gifted Adrian Aguilar as Ren. Have you seen this boy? He can dance. He can sing and rap. He can act. He can dance, sing and act all at the same time.
Without a good Ren, "Footloose" is just another musical. But Aguilar must have had his Wheaties for breakfast as he's busting at the seams with energy. His Ren is more "in your face" then Bacon's Ren, but that helps with the show and makes Ren more relatable.
"Footloose the Musical" opens up with the title song as Ren is saying farewell to his friends in Chicago. He and his mother, Ethel (Jennie Sophia), are moving to a Bible-belt town. Ren's father has deserted them. With that opening song and dance, audiences are put on notice that the energy is going to flow like electricity through water.
However, there was this constant nagging in the back of my head that something was wrong with the musical. It wasn't the cast, the acting or the singing. It wasn't the scenes that were stripped from the movie, or the scenes and songs added to the musical.
But then I figured out what seemed out of place.It was the orchestra's performance. The orchestra didn't match up with the vibe or the energy of the show. They didn't play like it was a rock show. They played like it was just another musical. The orchestra held the cast back.
The biggest example of this flaw was with the number "The Girl Gets Around." The original number was sung by Sammy Hagar. Sammy Hagar! But the number came across more like an attempt to perform classical music than a rock 'n' roll song. I don't care that this was a musical and not the movie, you just can't play Hagar or this song like you're playing it at a funeral.
So don't go see "Footloose" because of the orchestra, which surprisingly includes a keyboard, reeds, electric/acoustic guitars, bass guitar and percussion. Go see it for the people on the stage.
And there was plenty of talent above the pit.
WWT theatergoers first met Annie Fitch as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz." In "Footloose," she plays the reverend's daughter, Ariel. By playing someone as innocent as Dorothy in "Oz," and then the rebellious flirt Ariel, Fitch has showcased her potential to play a range of roles.
One of the singing voice highlights of the show was when Fitch combined her voice with the voices of Kira Lace Hawkins (as the reverend's wife, Vi) and Sophia for the song "Learning to Be Silent." This trio of angels sang beautifully. Perfection doesn't get much sweeter. There's got to be a way to get these three talented, beautiful women to sing together more.
And for comic relief, John Rapson has perfected the role of Willard. Willard is Ren's first friend in the new town, but he's not the brightest crayon in the box. And he can't dance, or swim, as audiences discover.
Willard's relationship with Ariel's best friend Rusty (Erica Wilpon) also lends itself to fits of laughter. They're like Desi and Luci, Sam and Diane or Will and Grace - comedy couples/friends you know and love, and can laugh at and with.
Of course, comedy is heightened when there's an element of drama to escape from in the show. Providing the dramatic moments, and doing it well in "Footloose", is WWT newbie Clay Sanderson as the Reverend Shaw.
Sanderson has the preacher voice, without even trying. You'll know what I'm talking about when you go see the musical.
Another actor might have made the role more of a caricature, but Sanderson gives authority to the Rev. Shaw. He plays it straight up, almost surpassing John Lithgow's performance from the movie.
And with some of the themes of "Footloose" being what they are, it's important that the Rev. Shaw not be made into a joke. Audiences must see his point of view, why he opposes dancing, and Sanderson lets you in.
Having said that Hawkins has a harmonious voice, she also does her role justice. Her character has a backbone, but Vi tries to play the mediator between her husband and daughter. With both sides still wounded from the death of a family member five years ago, Vi has a difficult task. But Hawkins lets her character display a sense of vulnerability while also being strong.
Like the many underlying themes in "Footloose" - generation differences, good versus evil, relationship boundaries, family, freedom of expression, religion, oppression, etc. - there are many good actors breaking a major sweat in this show. And the dancers - wow! This show may include some of the best dancing I've seen at the Wagon Wheel. From dance captain Mike Winslow (who plays Jeter) on down, you may get exhausted from just watching them. And the break dancin' that gets busted out is crazy fun.
Rating: 3.5 out of 4.
"Footloose" is at the Wagon Wheel now through July 5. For tickets or more information, call 574-267-8041, toll free 866-823-2618, or online at www.wagonwheeltheatre.com
