Yes, we know. You gotta cut loose. "Footloose." The musical staged by the Charleston Light Opera Guild has all of the songs and dancing that you expect to hear and see.
"Footloose" was originally a hit movie starring Kevin Bacon which journeyed to the stage in 1998. The production is more than just a fluffy bit of lightweight entertainment you can burn a couple of hours watching.
It's also an examination of pain and loss, how we react to tragedy and what it takes to heal and bring a community together.
"I hope audiences have a good time," Toni Pilato (Vi Moore) said. "I hope they enjoy coming out, coming back to live theatre and supporting their community theatre. I hope they appreciate the message of a town coming together after a tragedy, learning how to mourn and heal together. Teenagers are learning how to stand up for themselves and fight for what they believe in. That seems more relevant now than ever. I think you can get a lot from this crazy little musical with 80s pop tunes."
The messaging of the story never drags down the pace nor ultimately robs the underdog star of his day in the sun. Those underlying themes weave in and out as the plot moves forward, pushing the characters to realize there must be some way to get along, even while harboring differing opinions and dealing with strong emotional stress. Finding solutions to those situations would probably be valuable for all of us in real life, too.
"It’s just a fun show with a great recognizable soundtrack," Lindsey Duvall (Ethel McCormack) said. "It has a lot of energy and I think it would be a fun evening out for anyone looking for a good time and a bit of nostalgia."
“'Footloose' is a very simple story and it’s a very for all ages, for all audiences story," Will Manahan (Ren McCormack) said. "I hope people come in, have a fantastic time and leave tapping their toes."
The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents "Footloose"
Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theater
Aug. 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.
Reserved seat tickets are $25 and $30.
Tickets may be purchased online.
- Director/Choreographer-Nina Denton Pasinetti
- Musical Director-Gail Kennedy
- Technical Director-Tom Pasinetti
- Accompanist-Mary Ellen Logsdon
CAST:
- Ren McCormick - Will Manahan
- Ariel Moore - Emma Allen
- Willard Hewitt - AJ Lester
- Rusty - Kaylee Burdette
- Reverend Shaw Moore - Tim Whitener
- Vi Moore - Toni Pilato
- Ethel McCormack - Lindsey Duvall
- Chuck Cranston/Bob - Andrew Edwards
- Jeter/Travis - Landon George
- Cowboy Bob/Bickle/Lyle - Dylan Carpenter
- Urleen - Alexa Sekercak
- Wendy Jo - Caroline McLaury
- Opening Scene Rusty - Zoe Dorst
- Opening Scene Urleen - Heather Hicks
- Opening Scene Wendy Jo - Olivia Hayes
- Garvin - Andrew Adkins
- Coach Dunbar - Eric B. Hudnall
- Eleanor Dunbar - Reba Burgess
- Betty Blast - Marsha Isaacs
- Principal Harry Clark - Kent C. McMillion
- Lulu Warnicker - Hannah O'Brien
- Wes Warnicker - Jonathan Raines
SINGERS & DANDERS:
- Andrea Cremeans
- Bethany Garris
- Bella Lucas
- Marie McComas
- Mark Worlledge