Schools

Review: Footloose--The Musical, at Northwood High School

A Cappies review of Northwood High School's production of "Footloose."

by Brian Patterson 

Northwood High School made it quite easy to “cut loose” with precise dance steps, impressive harmonies, and infallible energy in their production of “Footloose.”

Telling the story of a young man with boogie in his soul moving to a town where the act of dancing is criminalized, “Footloose” is a renowned sensation capable of being crafted on stage as well as in film, evident in the 1984 picture of the same name starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer.

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More recently, a modernized version hit box offices this past October and undoubtedly moved audiences to get on their feet and join the previously hindered adolescents of the little, motionless town of Bomont. Northwood's production displayed relentless vigor and strong actors, singers, and dancers. The lights go up and reveal a beaming ensemble just itching to bust a move. The show itself was a triple threat!

Ren McCormack (Kyle Louviere), the new kid from the city, captured the eyes of the audience instantly when he first stepped into the spotlight. He then continued to impress with flawless execution of choreography, emotional mannerisms, and solid vocals.

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The preacher’s daughter, Ariel Moore (Alyssa Kushner), enticed Ren immediately with promiscuous and convincing movements, much to the dismay of her father, Reverend Shaw (Abel Jimenez). Jimenez illuminated his role’s inner thoughts attacking his every decision nicely. His wife, Vi (Caitlin Wright), attempted to ease the tension between Ariel and her father with natural and honest maternal tones.

After a small scuffle during Ren’s first few days in Bomont, he befriended the goofy Willard Hewitt (Ethan Barbee). Barbee provided many comic moments and wowed the audience with his dancing skills in the number, “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” sung by the object of his awkward love, Rusty (Sammi Levine). Levine’s vocal abilities shone throughout the entire performance with songs such as “Somebody’s Eyes.” Ariel’s violent boyfriend, Chuck Cranston (Brian Galvez), also stood out in Ariel’s introduction song “The Girl Gets Around” with his rock ‘n’ roll voice and bad boy attitude.

The technical crew was unfaltering in this production with quick set alterations and accurate lighting. There were moments when it was difficult to see all of the actions taking place on stage, but that was quickly fixed with a slight movement of either an actor, a light, or a set piece.

All in all, Northwood High School dazzled the crowd and truly brought forth the energy of a restricted community just yearning to break free and dance their hearts out, leaving everyone in the auditorium wanting to groove while thinking to themselves “I can’t stand still!”

Editor’s Note: by Brian Patterson of Langley High School through the high school Cappies program, the critics and awards program for high school theater. In this program, high school students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools and write reviews for local news publications. At the end of the year, student critics vote for awards that are presented at a formal Cappies Gala.


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