When “Footloose” hit the big screen in 1984, creators probably didn’t anticipate the film reaching cult-classic status. From Kevin Bacon’s tight denim and unforgettable moves to that theme song by Kenny Loggins, it remains one of the most memorable dance films of the 20th century.
In 1998, a musical based on the flick hit Broadway. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse has brought the high-energy show to the stage in a production that will run through Nov. 14.
“I was and am a huge fan of the movie,” said Jalyn Webb, Candlelight’s sales and marketing manager, who helped with scene work and direction for the latest production. “It came out when I was in high school, so you can imagine how it has stuck with me through all the years. We all love the original and have also as a cast spent time trying to figure out who has six degrees of Kevin Bacon.”
Ticket prices vary and there are multiple dates, including matinees to choose from.
The production follows Ren McCormack, a teenager from Chicago who moves to the small town of Bomont with his mother Ethel, after his father’s abandonment left the family strapped for cash.
To his shock and dismay, he discovers dancing in Bomont has been outlawed by an overbearing minister, Shaw Moore, who condemns the evils of rock ‘n’ roll. Moore’s rebellious daughter, Ariel, catches the eye of Ren who is determined to shake up the town.
“I am most excited for the explosive choreography, the iconic music and to share a story of forgiveness,” Webb said. “The real story in this show is one of a son longing for a father who has left him and a father mourning the loss of a son. How these two stories intersect is so interesting to me.”
While there is plenty of ‘80s costumed flare and a whole lot of shimmy shakes, at the core of the production is a deeper message about connection, understanding and rising above one another’s differences — themes organizers feel are undeniably timely given today’s current social climate.
“So much of the story has to do with people feeling completely stuck in their own opinion and belief and having an unwillingness to listen to anyone else,” Webb said. “I think when we all begin to have some grace for each other, and to listen, we discover that we are more alike than different. I hope people leave with a willingness to listen and forgive and also humming a familiar tune with a lightness in their step.”
Teeming with nostalgia, the show is sure to resonate with fans of the original movie — in which Sarah Jessica Parker, at age 18, had her first adult role.
“The choreography is already dazzling and I think everyone will be singing along to those familiar tunes like ‘I Need a Hero,’ ‘Let’s Hear it for the Boy’ and, of course, ‘Footloose,’” Webb said.
The 2011 reboot — starring Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald — brought the classic story to a new generation, but it didn’t receive the same praise the original garnered.
“I am not as much of a fan of the remake,” Webb said. “I think the original has such great performances. The musical version is slightly different than the original movie, but all that amazing music is intact.”
The original nine-song soundtrack album was released in 1984 and reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart on April 21, 1984, where it stayed until June 23, 1984.
From “Dancing in the Streets” to “Almost Paradise,” the tunes are still karaoke favorites decades later.
“When I was a kid, my mom was an aerobics instructor at Richard Simmons,” said Phil Forman, Candlelight’s music director. “I grew up with this music and we played this album constantly. I am super excited to revisit the music that was really just in the background of the movie, but is front and center in the musical.”
The musical provides a feel-good message that hits differently after the hardships of 2020.
“Today, more than ever, there is a real need for forgiveness and acceptance,” Forman said. “I hope this lets us look inside ourselves to see the joy and love that comes from connecting through the arts and with other people.”
The beauty of common ground shines in the vivacious production.
“This musical is so much fun with great music and wonderful dance,” said Pat Payne, production manager. “But, for me, this is a story about two very different men who are both dealing with loss — one of his father and the other of his son and through the story they find that they have a lot more in common than originally thought.”
The show — packed with costume changes and a large cast — came together in a whirlwind of less than three weeks.
“It’s been a lot of long days, but this cast is here and ready to work so we are getting the work done,” Payne said, “and the design staff and theater staff have an all-hands-on-deck attitude and are making magic.”
The show opened last week, after an intense rehearsal process.
“Rehearsals have been a lot of work,” said Cole Emarine, director and choreographer. “There was so much material to learn in a very short amount of time. That being said, the cast has really stepped up to the plate and has been very excited to take on challenges of changing gears and making the journey with us.”
Below the surface of flash mob-style line dances and mid-air jumps, a story of unity prevails.
“Footloose is not just about dancing, but about how we fight to be able to be expressive and be passionate,” Emarine said. “Within the show, we are working on showing how our dance and our art can be a cathartic experience. This town and these characters are grieving and instead of only saying, ‘We want to dance!,’ they are saying ‘We want to heal!’”
