Footloose Dances It’s Way to Actors’ Playhouse

Critics Rating- 3 out of 5 Spotlights

Footloose, the hip 1998 Broadway musical is making it’s South Florida premiere at the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, FL. Currently playing through April 6^th, this production is sure to bring joy to all patrons.

Based on the 1980’s movie starring Kevin Bacon, John Lithgow and co-starring Sarah Jessica Parker, this teen-dance movie was just one of the many “teeny-bopper” movies that included such hits as Grease, Flashdance and many others.

The show follows the story of a young man named Ren who moves to a small town called Beaumont after his father leaves him and his mother. The town’s authority figure is Reverend Shaw Moore who has placed a ban on dancing anywhere in the town after four teens died on their way back from dancing. After finding out about the ban, Ren begins to find a way to get it lifted and with the help from the Reverend’s daughter, Ariel and the other teens of Beaumont, the youth find the courage to fight the Reverend and city hall.

Full of energy, Nathaniel Shaw leads a high-spirited ensemble, playing the role of Ren. After having a rusty beginning in “Footloose/On Any Sunday” and being sick, Shaw picked himself up and delivered a toe-tapping performance; additional notoriety belongs to his ability to have a believable connection with all the characters he interacts with.

Along with Shaw, Amy Miller Brennan is making her Actors’ Playhouse debut, performing the role of Ariel, the rebellious daughter of Reverend Moore. Through a feisty attitude and gorgeous voice, Brennan convincingly finds a unique way to deliver pure, raw emotion in “Almost Paradise” and “Learning to Be Silent”.

A particular actor that was surprising was Barry J. Tarallo, who played the role of Reverend Shaw Moore. Although he had a great solo in the opening number, his character became very weak. In the movie of Footloose, John Lithgow, who plays the same role, hit his daughter, which was not shown in this production. Also, Director and Actors’ Playhouse Artistic Director, David Arisco took out Moore’s most important number, “I Confess”, which tells the audience all about the Reverend’s son and the relationship that he had with him.

Besides that eliminated number, Arisco did make other changes to the show. Even though “I Confess” was not the best idea to dismiss from the show, adding Ariel to “Learning to be Silent” was an excellent idea. Ariel added to the song, making a beautiful three-part harmony. The one big mistake that Arisco made was having the head of the city council also play a student during “I’m Free”. She stuck out from the rest of cast and really brought out the fact that all these actors were too old to play teens.

Additional recognition goes to Christopher Kent for his role of Willard, Rusty, played by Heather Jane Rolff and her two friends Urleen and Wendy Jo played respectfully by Tiana Checchia and Julie Kleiner. Christopher did an amazing job during “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” as he learns to dance and singing his big number, “Mama Says”. The three girls really stood out with their own three-part harmony during “Holding Out For a Hero” and “Somebody’s Eyes”.

Overall, this show was an absolutely wonderful experience, full of energy and enjoyment. Footloose the musical plays until April 6^th. After this show, Actors’ Playhouse presents the new comedy-thriller, Thumbs, from May 7^th through May 25^th. Finishing up the season, Mid Life! The Crisis Musical will be performed from July 9^th through August 10^th.

For more information, check out www.actorsplayhouse.org or www.5minstocurtain.com