EntertainmentTheatre

RARE Productions Footloose at the Grove Theatre Dunstable Review

21-23 February 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Alexander

I attended the community amateur performance of Footloose, presented by RARE Productions, on Friday 23rd February 2019.

Footloose is based on the 1984 film. A little back story of the musical: when newcomer Ren McCormack relocates with his mother from Chicago after his parents spilt, he goes to live with his aunt and uncle, he is in utter shock when he discovers the small town of Bomont, he now calls home, has made dancing and rock music illegal after four teens lost their lives in a car accident 4 years earlier after being out dancing and drinking. As he struggles to fit in and adapt to the strict rules of his new home town, Ren faces an uphill battle to try and change things. Ren is hoping with the help of his new friend, Willard and the local minsters defiant teen daughter Ariel he might loosen up this conservative town. But Ariel’s influential father, Reverend Shaw Moore, stands in the way.

Ren goes before the city council to try and convince them to change the no dance law, he reads several Bible verses to cite scriptural support, after the council vote no on removing the no dance law, Ren reaches out to Reverend Moore to try and get him to change his mind. The play ends well with the dance going ahead with the Reverend and his wife even turning up to support the kids and their dance.

The set was simple with a few backdrops and very little props but came across very effective. The actors playing the roles of Ren and Ariel were truly amazing young performers that made their characters come to life on stage with their superb acting, signing as well as dance. Throughout the musical the dance choreography seemed very well rehearsed. All in all, it was one of the best performed amateur plays I have been to, all the young actors and dancers seem really have a put a lot of effort into their parts and all had amazing stage presence. The stage team also did a brilliant job of making sure the set and everything ran well.

Rating: 5/5

RARE Productions are currently on tour, for more information, shows and tour dates visit www.rareproductions.co.uk.

For other shows at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01582 602080.

Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP | 01582 602080

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