Laguna Hills Cuts It Loose with Footloose!
All hell breaks loose in the quiet town of Bomont when Chicago teen Ren McCormack attempts to break the town’s long standing “No Dancing” law. After a tragic accident, Reverend Shaw Moore ties popular music and dancing to a decrease in morals. The Reverend being the major authority in the town, has them both banned. When Ren moves into the town, after his parents splitting, he tries to show Reverend Moore and the town that the music and dance of the era isn’t all bad.
The Musical opens with a rousing number of Kenny Loggins’ iconic song “Footloose” performed by the company. As well as an original score by Tom Snow, the show includes several well-loved hits from the 80s; “The Girl Gets Around” (Sammy Hagar), “Holding Out for a Hero” (Jim Steinman), and “Almost Paradise” (Eric Carman). These songs also appear on the soundtrack of the Original Footloose movie starring Kevin Bacon which the show takes it premise from.
The set (Alex Belfield, Deck Crew) made use of a simple but versatile minimalistic approach. Having one main set with raised platforms and then different movable white structures that served as walls or doors. Projections, created by Danielle Kelly, added an extra layer of depth and set each scene without confusion. During large musical numbers flashing colors and animations created a 1980s music video feel.
Ren McCormack, portrayed by Eli Buckles, brought a never ceasing light and enthusiasm to the stage as Chicago’s own angsty teen. Claiming to have “not danced much before this show”, Buckles soars through every musical number with seeming expertise. Buckles demonstrates a versatile vocal range spanning from a powerful deep tenor to a high falsetto. Being unafraid of exposing deep emotion, Buckles keeps his audience on their toes with his stellar performance.
Senior Dani Grace excels in the roll of hurt, confused teen, Arial Moore. Grace exhibits a proficiency in song and dance in musical numbers such as Jim Steinman’s “Holding Out for A Hero”. Sharing many scenes with her father, the Reverend of the town, Grace hits the nail on the head of someone who is ready to move on but is not given a way too.
Sabrina Astle gives a stellar performance as the loyal sidekick Rusty. Her powerful belt and whistle range is shown off in “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” . She dominates the stage with her vocal abilities. She gives a heartwarming performance as the kind and lovesick teen aside thick-headed mama’s boy Willard Hewitt (Sean Smith).
Ryan Batten gives an outstanding performance as Rev. Shaw Moore. Portraying the torn preacher perfectly as he is caught between his own prejudices and what is good for the wellbeing of the town. In his last two musical performances, “On Any Sunday (reprise)” and “Can You Find It in Your Heart”, Batten emotionally portrays the heartache and pain felt by a Father who has lost a child. We see Rev. Moore grow as a character and a father through the play and Batten demonstrates this perfectly.
Nikolai Taylor’s portrayal of the harsh and abusive Chuck Cranston is one of much revere. Admitting that he “is not used to playing the bad boy”, Taylor plays his part with vigor and ease. Giving an amazing vocal and dance performance alongside Dani Grace in “The Girl Gets Around”.
If you’re looking for a fun time with family or a nostalgia trip, Laguna Hills’ production of Footloose is well worth it and a fun time for everyone.
Laguna Hills High School presents Footloose on April 22, 23, 27,28,29 and 30.
Brigitte Rose
Entertainment Editor
Aliso Laguna News/ Green Local News
