Variety Theatre Ashburton, unleashes a night of slick, sassy, humour and toe tapping energy.
Now in the final stages of rehearsing for the performance season opening tonight of Footloose the musical, it is evident that an extremely dedicated team is behind what promises to be a superb event.
In the town of Bomont, there is a strict ban on dancing, brought about by a community grieving over a tragic car accident.
The older generations cling to their beliefs about raising and protecting their children, while the youth push back with rebellion and strong desire to express themselves.
Ren McCormack arrives in Bomont from Chicago and refuses to accept that he cannot dance.
Does he succeed in altering the staunchly held mindset of the community? That’s not for me to tell!
I was totally entranced by the stunning vocal harmonies sung by the cast, and even more so when songs were entwined with energy sapping, complex, choreographed moves.
It all appeared to be executed with effortless ease.
It would be unfair to single out cast members playing specific roles.
However, acknowledgement must be afforded to the directing team for their foresight when casting.
How heartwarming to witness the large number of younger performers being embraced into the world of theatre.
They are all playing their parts with dedication, enthusiasm and boundless energy, inspired, no doubt, by the seasoned actors alongside them.
A show such as this, does not come to fruition without the multitude of people behind the scenes.
Hundreds and hundreds of hours have been donated by the many volunteers who have so willingly put aside other aspects of life, in order to create this fabulous show.
Suffice to say that for every cast member on stage, there are five unseen volunteers ensuring that everything possible has been done to enable that member to perform his/her role to its full potential.
Food for thought Ashburton, and good reason for you to support what is going to be a fabulously presented show – a wonderful way to warm up prior to winter!
Congratulations to directors; Alice, Jo and Jessie. You have collectively produced a performance to be extremely proud of.
To the cast, thank you for bringing your voices, dance and acting to life, for the enjoyment of others.
And to the ‘behind the scenes’ huge admiration and appreciation, because without you as part of the theatre family, shows would simply not exist.
I’m off to continue humming the theme song I first heard in 1984, Footloose!
DON”T MISS OUT: Variety Theatre Ashburton staging Footloose the musical from May 23 to 30 with shows at 7.30pm, and May 24 at 2pm. Director Alice Sollis. Musical director Jo Castelow. Choreographer Jessie Thomson. Adult tickets $60 (fess apply) via the Ashburton Event Centre.
