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‘Footloose’ has shaky opening night, but talent shines through
By Eric McCrea
Columbiana
Crown Theater Productions may not be a familiar name, but the Columbiana-based production company is fortunate to call the beautiful Main Street Theater its home. Its latest venture, “Footloose, the Musical,” is sure to draw a huge crowd.
Based on the 1984 movie of the same name, “Footloose” is about an average urban teenager thrown into a conservative rural town where dancing is illegal. Ren McCormack, played by Reece Xavior Bordonaro, seems to make waves without even swimming, making him a target of the Bomont establishment. His principal, coach and even his own uncle quickly label him a delinquent, but none proves a more formidable roadblock than the Rev. Shaw Moore, played by John Reed.
In typical ’80s fashion, the reverend’s daughter, Ariel Moore (Ciara Rosario), becomes romantically entangled with our young hero as he tries to bring dancing back to a grieving town. Luckily, Ren has his new friends Willard Hewitt (Kaleb McFarland) and Rusty (Sarah Bolina) by his side to help him along his difficult journey.
Overall, the cast experienced a shaky opening night. Late technical cues and awkward pauses were the norm throughout the evening, but some talent was able to shine through.
An early standout was McFarland. He showed great character development, and didn’t sound like he was just reciting lines. His dance capabilities proved to be an audience favorite, and his comedic timing was indicative of a more mature performer.
A high-school diva trio of Bolina with Ella George’s Urleen and Kate Pelini’s Wendy Jo were hilarious, and individually, each had an impressive voice. When singing together, things got a little tricky.
Rosario was sweet and charming, with a delightful voice. Her duet “Almost Paradise” was well done, with accurate harmonies, but one can’t help but think that some of the song’s fire was lost with Bordonaro singing an octave lower.
Karen Gerberry was a pleasant surprise as the reverend’s wife, Vi Moore. Sweet and unassuming, she was able to be the character-behind-the-curtain who ultimately resolves the whole story, in a loving and gentle way.
Other noteworthy standouts were Rick Haldi as Cowboy Bob and Lisa Kauffman as Betty Blast. Haldi was a force to be reckoned with, owning the dance floor, but Kauffman showed everyone who was boss.
Jacob Mull was spot-on, playing the villainous Chuck Cranston. The audience loved to hate him, which is a necessity in this sort of storyline.
The musical pulls many of the hit songs from the original “Footloose” soundtrack, but several newly written songs were added to fill in. The classics we remember from the movie were aptly performed and entertaining. The new songs lacked the emotional hold of nostalgia, and a few felt crudely thrown together. However, this didn’t stop Reed and Gerberry from sounding great as they performed their solos and duets.
“Footloose, the Musical” runs at 2 p.m. today and next Sunday and at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Main Street Theater in Columbiana. For reservations, call 330-482-9915, ext. 2.