As a film and theatre critic I am well aware many readers want strong definitive opinions on everything. The world of Rottentomatoes has turned everything into either liking or hating whatever it is I’m critiquing. I recently experienced this with my & Juliet review which I was decidedly mixed on and yet I’m asked ‘why did you hate the show?’ Sigh. Believe me when I hate something you know! Anyway, I bring this up because I was very mixed on Hale Center Theatre’s new production of Footloose. There’s a lot to love in it but some choices that didn’t work for me and given Hale is charging $69 for each ticket it’s worth giving a well-rounded review.

Given its Utah roots most of us know the basic story of Footloose (the 1984 film was filmed here in Utah!) It’s one of those movies that is probably remembered for being more bubble-gum storytelling than it actually deserves. I watched it last year for my podcast and it goes to some darker places beyond just kids fighting town council for the ability to dance. If you haven’t seen it in a while I recommend giving it a rewatch. It’s a good film about parenting, religion, tradition, and of course the frustrations of being a teenager.

As far as the Broadway adaptation it’s pretty good in translating the script of the film to the stage and unlike projects like Pretty Woman they were able to get all of the key songs from the movie for the musical. Hale favorite director Dave Tinney has created some really fun sequences especially “Holding Out for a Hero.” I won’t spoil it for you but it had me grinning from ear-to-ear.

I am not sure if it is backlash from the obstructive stage elements of Beauty and the Beast but I have noticed Hale being a lot more careful about how they have been using their Young Living Stage. Most of the stages brought in and out are flat without any barriers that block audience view. The only exception in this show is the bridge setpiece but it was done in a way that won’t obstruct anyone. Scenic designer for Footloose is Jenn Taylor with lighting design from Jaron Kent Hermansen (he also did the video/projection design which is full of Utah imagery and a nice nod to the Utah legacy of this piece.)

One special treat for Footloose is Hale had a live band which I don’t think I’ve seen from them. Live music adds to the rock-n-roll quality of the entire experience (feels less like karaoke with it.) In general I enjoyed the cast in the TThS group with Bryndal Braithwaite subbing in for Ariel (she’s usually MWF cast) and Weston Wright stealing the show as Willard. My favorite song of the show is “Mamma Says” and Wright’s performance along with Afton Wilson’s choreography made sure it did not disappoint.

I hate to single out individual performers in community theater but sometimes a critic has to be honest with their experience. Ren Cottam did not work for me in the lead role as Ren McCormack. Maybe he was having an off night but he was stiff and felt too old for the role. He was frequently out of breath and seemed to struggle with the choreography, which is a problem when the show is literally about dancing. Since he is in almost every scene it was a major barrier in me fully embracing the production. I’m actually kind of curious to see if the MWF Ren would win me fully over but that was definitely my experience with this Ren. I am also curious to see if the MWF cast has better chemistry because Braithwaite would be in that cast regularly (got to be easier to have chemistry with someone you are regularly acting with.)

All that said, Footloose is a show for teens that isn’t afraid to tackle some tough issues and it could lead to some quality discussions for families. There is also enough spectacle from Hale with details like full size automobiles brought on stage and other details I won’t spoil. The live band adds a lot to the environment, and there really is much fun to be had with this production. If it sounds like something you’d enjoy than I’d recommend it even with its flaws.

Footloose: the Musical has a stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie based on the original screenplay by Pitchford. The music is by Tom Snow with lyrics by Dean Pitchford and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman

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