Reviewed by Sondra & May Morishima/Sacramento Stage & Theatre
Ariel (Megan Reinking, front) and Ren (James Royce Edwards, right) visit a honky-tonk in a scene from Music Circus' FOOTLOOSE at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Aug. 10-15. Photo by: Steve Kolb.
Music Circus' FOOTLOOSE had the audience applauding after every song and to the beat of the music. Even the woman seated next to me was singing along on a couple of songs. The plot was predictable, but the songs and lively dialogue between the characters kept up the musical's momentum.
FOOTLOOSE is the story of Ren McCormack (James Royce Edwards), the big city kid - and his mother Ethel (Tia Speros), who are transplanted into the little town of Bomont from Chicago after his father walks out on the family. Ren is shocked to find this uptight, conservative town has made dancing illegal.
Edwards portrays Ren as the kid who can't keep still, but tries to fit in with his peers and the community. His energetic dancing included some impressive acrobatic flips.
The force behind the law is the staunch and powerful Reverend Shaw Moore (John Herrera), Ariel's (Megan Reinking) father. Herrera convincingly fits the role with his captivating strong voice and stubborn demeanor yet displayed the vulnerable side of Reverend Moore through his songs. Mary Gordon Murray was endearing as Vi, the Reverend's supportive wife caught in the middle of the constant battle between her husband and their daughter.
Reinking makes an emotional portrayal of Ariel, the rambunctious and excitement-seeking daughter, who needs her father's attention and support. After Ariel's boyfriend (Brad DeLima) and his friends jump Ren because he walked Ariel home, Ren diagnoses everyone's edginess with the fact that no one can dance to blow off steam. He then sets off to repeal the law so that he can legally plan a prom for his senior class.
Ariel's friends, the friendly trio of Rusty (Teresa Marie), Urleen (Shelley Thomas), and Wendy Jo (Lindsay Mendez) had so much personality and energy that it emanated into the audience. Rusty's vibrant fast-talking, along with her easy-going attitude, had me laughing every time.
The antics between Willard (Alex Back) and Rusty were hilarious and kept you enthralled - wondering if they'll ever openly express their love to each other. Back's performance of Willard was definitely a character of his own. He was shy, insecure, and quirky but, when he did talk, he always seemed to know what to say (unless it was about dancing).
Tia Speros turned in a strong performance as Ren's mother trapped in the current home situation but needed to remain a strong emotional support for Ren. Brad DeLima was persuasive as Ariel's controlling boyfriend, Chuck.
The choreography was exciting and worked well with the circular stage. All in all, I must say this was a fun musical to watch. It was full of humor, classic songs, and a timeless plot.
Out of four stars (one being the lowest and four the highest) I rate it at three.
FOOTLOOSE will be performing at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, located on the corner of 15th and H streets. Performances will take place through Aug. 15, with show times Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m., and matinee performances Thursday and Saturday at 2 p.m.
Single show tickets are priced from $32 to $47, on sale at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, or by phone at (916) 557-1999. Tickets can also be purchased from Tickets.com at (916) 766-2277.
For more information on the Music Circus, visit CaliforniaMusicalTheatre.com.
