Engaging youngsters leap onto and around the stage so enthusiastically that they involve you much more than would the MTV videos they seem to emulate. They're in a story largely an excuse to hang 1980s songs onto: Ren, left by his father, moves from Chicago with his mom to live with his uncle in small Bomont, dominated by a pastor who's lost his son in a car accident. Town council, school principal, and coach back him to outlaw liquor, drugs, and even dancing. How Ren conquers the oppressive atmosphere and wins acceptance, especially by his peers including Pastor Shaw's rebellious daughter Ariel, justifies such sung praise as "Let's Hear It for the Boy." Shaw also reconnects with family and positive spiritual values that wife Vi has urged him to "Find...in Your Heart."
While Ren, epitomized by spirited Xander Chauncey, highlights the show with his "Footloose" ways, there are enough songs and steps to characterize teens and older townees. Erica Jade Drew's Ariel, "The Girl [who] Gets Around" with characters like dropout Chuck (dark Adrian Mancinelli), works her way convincingly out of defiance via strappy tee and red boots and into a gold gown and reconciliation for the final dance. Berry Ayers is fun to watch as Ren's pal, pursued by cute Rusty (Samantha Barrett) and taught high stepping. She, Kali Westphalen, and Julie Simmons stand out "Holding Out for a Hero." Christopher Swan displays a good voice but not much personality, probably due to the weakness of his one-note pastor's role. Beth Duda and Charlene Clark duet sympathetically about how helpless they've felt regarding their husbands' actions as well as how to help their kids. Duda's voice could have a bit more amplification, while she could use a cover-up for pajamas in which Vi goes to her front door to speak to cyclist Chuck.
With dancing the major focus of Footloose, those supplying the music are important. John Viser's musicians are up to the job, as is choreographer Belinda Allen. Kyle Ennis Turoff does all a director can within the limits of this musical and triples, as well, in bit parts. As a sassy Burger Blast manager, she steals the scene.
