Long Reach High School - Footloose

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Permalink Reply by Kyla Sokoll-Ward on March 30, 2010 at 6:17pm

It’s tough being the new kid – leaving home, making new friends, and adjusting to a new town are all part of the package – but in Bomont, acclimating to an overly conservative lifestyle gives ‘tough’ a new meaning. Long Reach High School’s theatre department goes from old-fashioned to open-minded in Footloose.

Ren McCormack and his mother are forced to flee their home in Chicago to move in with their aunt and uncle in Bomont after their father unexpectedly leaves them. Ren, a boy in love with the bustle and excitement of a big city, is appalled to learn that in this nowhere-town of Bomont, dancing is illegal under the righteous power of Reverend Shaw Moore. Ren soon takes steps to transform the close-mindedness of his town and gain the freedom of dancing once again. Along the way, Ren bonds with Willard Hewitt, the bumpkin of Bomont, and Ariel Moore, the reverend’s unruly daughter.

Julio Jimenez’s spunky attitude (and popped collar) complimented his smooth demeanor and quick dance steps as Ren. The dance number “I Can’t Stand Still” was a particularly memorable moment for Jimenez choreographically. Jimenez made Ren’s journey from a sassy troublemaker to a mature young adult a joy to unfold. Working beside Jimenez was Sandy Johnston as Ariel. Johnston brought consistent energy during her dilemmas with her father and over-possessive boyfriend. The duo’s bond was highlighted during the sentimental number of “Almost Paradise.” Reverend Moore and his wife Vi (Cameron Cox and Nancy Erickson) portrayed a complicated struggle – both with each and other and their daughter – with strong character choices that complemented their chemistry. Songs such as “Heaven Help Me” and “Learning to be Silent” beautifully depicted the tormenting inner conflict of Shaw and Vi.

Though the ensemble lacked energy at times, a certain boost of liveliness launched the second act with “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” featuring the sweet singing of Anna Johnson as Rusty and fun choreography. The vigor of the actors made up for projection and articulation issues.

The stationary set made for efficient shifts and versatile scene settings. A notable significance of the set was its symbolic ‘bridge’ between the students and adults of Bomont, accenting the continuing struggle between the generations. In several scenes the adult characters were featured standing atop the bridge while the students were down below, providing a sense of supremacy for the adults above the lesser children.

Topping off the performance was a “Footloose” reprise – in which the adult characters danced – highlighting the big change that came to the small town of Bomont. The Long Reach High School theatre department positively proved that “dancing is not a crime!”

Permalink Reply by Cara Jurney on March 30, 2010 at 8:11pm

Long Reach High School’s cast and crew of Footloose have been workin’ so hard. They’re punchin’ their cards! Three months! For what? For a good show!

Dean Pitchford and David Shaw’s musical was based on the popular 1984 film, and its songs were adapted from preexisting songs on the film’s soundtrack. Footloose tells the story of Ren McCormack, a nightclubbing Chicago boy who moves to a conservative town in the middle of nowhere. His presence in Bomont really shakes things up, especially when he dates the Reverend’s daughter, Ariel. When Ren discovers that dancing is forbidden, he makes it his personal mission to reverse that decree, but in Bomont, what Rev. Shaw Moore says, goes, and the Reverend says, “No dancing”.

This performance started out on a high note. The band played a couple power chords and out popped many feet from beneath the curtain. Then, as the introduction to “Footloose” played, these Chuck-Taylor-wearing feet began to dance! This set the bar very high for the rest of the show, and the cast and crew delivered.

There were two performers in principal roles that were a cut above the rest. Cody McNeeley (Willard) maintained a level of energy that pumped up the entire show. His comedic timing and consistent character choices made his character extremely believable. Anna Johnson played Rusty, Willard’s love interest. She was one of the best singers in the show, and when she and McNeeley were onstage together, the result was a perfect combination of nerves, flirting, and obvious chemistry.

A few other performers were especially notable; Cameron Cox, Rachel Smith, and Tiffany Kearns, as Rev. Shaw Moore, Ethel McCormack, and Cowgirl Singing Sally, respectively. Cox chose a smooth, deep speaking voice to portray his severe and seemingly collected character, which enhanced all of the Reverend’s characteristics. Smith took the lines of an urban mother and created a sassy, multidimensional woman. Kearns was only featured in one scene, yet was one of the most memorable performers. She has a voice that every aspiring country singer dreams of, a voice with a little rasp and a lot of soul; a voice to make a heart ache.

Certain technical aspects of this show were impressive as well. The pit band was consistently rocking out and never played a wrong note, and the set added a deeper dimension to the show. The centrally featured set piece was a bridge that was used to depict several scenes and symbolic meanings. For example, simply choosing the bridge as the main set is a symbolic representation of the fact that the whole town is influenced by an event on the bridge several years earlier.

Let’s hear it for this show! Let’s give Footloose a hand! Let’s hear it for Long Reach! You’ve got to understand: the cast really had fun and cut footloose, creating a very successful show.

Permalink Reply by Tara Nolan on March 30, 2010 at 9:52pm

Imagine a world without dancing. Most cannot fathom the idea except in Footloose. The show ran for 709 performances on Broadway from 1998 to 2000. The show was adapted to film in 1984 and now performed in schools. Footloose is freedom from sad eyes.

Ren McCormick’s life is twisted around when he leaves Chicago to live in Bomont. Reverend Shaw, the local minister, runs the small town and dictates the laws. Dancing is outlawed which means Ren can no longer dance his troubles away. With the help of the rebellious Ariel, Ren finds happiness and a way to cut loose.

Reverend Shaw’s (Cameron Cox) motives and character choices were strong. His character was always consistent and conveyed his emotions. When he had to talk about his son, it was clear it was a difficult subject. Ren McCormick’s (Julio Jimenez) dramatic character and his argument with Shaw were emotionally compelling.

Willard Hewitt played by Cody McNeeley and Rusty (AnnaJohnson) were a good match. Willard was the country boy who was Ren’s best friend. Rusty along with Urleen(Joanne Amaro) and Wendy Jo( Keshia L. Smith) were an outstanding ensemble.Their harmonies and voices were strong in “Somebody’s watching” and “Holding Out For A Hero.” Wendy Jo’s character was consistent, energetic, and humorous.

The Choreography (Mrs. Robin Flood, Cody McNeeley, Joanne Amaro, Jene Chapelle, Keshia Smith, and Christina Coffman) was artistic and very entertaining to watch, especially in the number “Somebody’s Watching.”

Long Reach’s Footloose was energetic and very compelling. Let’s Hear it for the cast and crew of Footloose!

Permalink Reply by Kathryn Patchan on March 30, 2010 at 11:21pm

Cut Footloose with Long Reach
Dancing may be outlawed in Bomont, but it certainly wasn’t at Long Reach. Long Reach High’s production of “Footloose” was charmingly cute and delightfully entertaining.
Footloose tells the story of teenager Ren McCormack who was forced to move from Chicago to the Podunk town of Bomont. Ren loves dancing and when he finds out that Reverend Shaw Moore has banned it he is shocked. Ren, the Reverend’s daughter Ariel, and most of Bomont High’s senior class, tries to abolish the law so they can dance for the first time in five years.
Though lacking some energy in the beginning, the cast’s energy grew throughout the performance. “Let’s Hear it For the Boy,” was full of vigor and the peppy choreography made it enjoyable to watch.
Cameron Cox did an amazing job as Reverend Shaw Moore. His strong, clear voice shone in his solos, “Heaven Help Me” and “I Confess,” and his stern gestures and facial expressions added to his strict character. Julio Jimenez was captivating as Ren McCormack. His smooth dancing and vocals made his character lovably tough and headstrong. Jimenez’s song “I Can’t Stand Still” especially highlighted his talents and left the audience wanting more. Cody McNeely did an excellent job as the awkward and adorable Willard Hewitt. He dazzled with his fantastic splits and crisp dancing in the song “Let’s Hear it For the Boy.” McNeely and Jimenez displayed great chemistry throughout the show and their friendship was very believable.
As an ensemble, Anna Johnson, Joanne Amaro, and Keshia Smith (Rusty, Urleen, and Wendy Jo) worked together seamlessly in their scenes. Their voices blended well in “Somebody’s Eyes” and they complimented Sandy Johnston (Ariel) beautifully in “Holding out for a Hero.” Johnson’s and McNeely’s awkwardly cute chemistry made their moments onstage adorably comedic.
The sound crew worked diligently to ensure that the microphones worked properly. There were very few sound issues and each character was heard quite clearly while they spoke. The bright 1980’s costumes, done by Vikki Raven and Marsha Holt, helped to add to the realism and believability of the show.
Long Reach’s production of “Footloose” really invited the audience to lose their blues and “cut footloose!”

Permalink Reply by Eric Bricker on March 31, 2010 at 4:52pm

The ‘80s were a decade of big hair, bright colors, and rocking tunes. Take all of these, throw in a healthy dose of dancing, a handful of lovable characters, and a splash of feel-good nostalgia, and the outcome would be almost as sweet as Long Reach High School’s rousing production of Footloose.

Adapted from the beloved 1984 film of the same name, Footloose tells the story of Ren McCormack (Julio Jimenez), a Chicago-bred kid with big ideas and a perennially popped collar who lives to cut loose on the dance floor. That is until he and his mother (Rachel Smith) are forced to move to the tiny town of Bomont, where the puritanical Reverend Moore (Cameron Cox) has made dancing illegal. It falls to Ren to battle with the conservative rules of the town, with the help of the loveable country bumpkin Willard (Cody McNeeley) and the preacher’s rebellious daughter Ariel (Sandy Johnston).

The performers dove headfirst into the material, tackling both light comedy and weighty drama with aplomb and delivering scorching dance moves and soaring music with ease. The end result was a production that was light on its feet, delivering laughs, romance, and conflict with a refreshing sense of light-heartedness and fun.

As the beloved bad boy Ren McCormack, Julio Jimenez impressed with graceful dancing, high energy, and an affable stage presence. Jimenez’s McCormack exuded cool, be it through witty one-liners, passionate monologues, or sizzling dance solos (like the peppy “I Can’t Stand Still”). Cameron Cox, as the pious Reverend Moore, tackled the show’s more dramatic moments with maturity and poise. He effectively humanized the lofty Reverend, thanks to a commanding stage presence, a soulful singing voice, and sparkling chemistry with his wife, Vi (played with heart-wrenching earnestness by Nancy Erickson).

Joanne Amaro, Keshia L. Smith, and Anna Johnson were a force to be reckoned with as a trio of pleasantly perky country girls; their dancing was spot-on, their comic timing impeccable, and their singing voices lovely, as in the silky smooth “Somebody’s Eyes.” As the feisty cowboy Willard, Cody McNeeley showcased a charming southern drawl, high-flying dance moves, and crackling chemistry with Jimenez.

The funky ‘80s-flavored score was smoothly handled by an excellent pit band, which, though meshing well with the singers, was occasionally overpowering. The colorful lighting, designed by Paul Hartman, was diverse and exciting, creating everything from the bright neon lights of a Chicago nightclub to the somber interior of a Baptist church. The sound was well designed and well executed. Though occasional microphone glitches made the actors difficult to understand, the cast nevertheless pressed on with poise, professionalism, and high energy.

Crackling with energy, brimming with fun, and anchored by high caliber performances, Long Reach High School’s Footloose made for one sweet, memorable ride through the ‘80s.

Permalink Reply by David Kaiser-Jones on March 31, 2010 at 9:33pm

Two dozen pairs of feet pop out from under the red curtain, jubilantly swaying to an upbeat tempo. Their bodies belong to the Chicago youth, wildly dancing off the stresses of an eight-hour workday in nightclubs. Then the music is cut and behind the curtain appears a castle-like stone bridge, reflective of another, smaller town whose restrictive morals are stuck in the Dark Ages. Long Reach High School told the story of the conflict and reconciliation between these two dichotomous mindsets in their production of Footloose.
Footloose, based on the 1984 film of the same name, tells the story of Ren McCormack, who moves with his single mother from the bustle of Chicago to the relative humdrum of Bomont, a tiny rural town in which dancing is forbidden. The Reverend Shaw Moore makes all decisions in the town and creates an atmosphere in which “Somebody’s Eyes” are always watching. The Reverend keeps a particularly suspicious eye and uncomfortably tight grip on his rebellious daughter Ariel.
As Ren, Julio Jimenez, with his popped collar, roller skates, and so-slick-they’re-illegal dance moves, was always cool and suave around his oppressed Bomont peers. Cameron Cox took the Reverend Shaw Moore to both ends of his domineering character—his frighteningly controlling personality in church and the pathetic underbelly of his home life, where his overbearing nature fails to control his daughter.
The dulcet, fast vibrato of Nancy Erickson (Vi Moore, the Reverend’s wife) was particularly evident in her musical soliloquy “Can’t You Find it in Your Heart?” as well as in the manifesto of stoicism “Learning to Be Silent” with Ren’s mother Ethel McCormack (Rachel Smith), truly believable as a beleaguered, yet loving single mother of a rebellious child. Willard, (Cody McNeeley), Ren’s slow-witted backcountry pal, provided comic relief in the form of the tastefully timed hillbilly antics and pants-rippingly flamboyant dancing.
The sound crew ensured that the actors were audible and intelligible. Through the use of varying intensity levels and marathon spotlights, the lighting crew skillfully isolated the actors as their characters outpoured their emotions and aided the transition Ren catalyzes, from the dark injustice he meets when he arrives, to a brighter, freer day in Bomont.
When Ren McCormack comes to lift the people of Bomont out of the Dark Ages, the cast slowly erupts with all the energy and enthusiasm of people who hadn’t danced for five and a half years in Long Reach’s production of Footloose.

Permalink Reply by Sara Pecas on April 2, 2010 at 2:59pm

What does no music, no movies and no dancing equal? “TRUBL” trouble! Originally from Chicago, Ren McCormack is forced to move to the small boring town of Bomont. He soon discovers that dancing has been outlawed due to a tragic car accident a few years back that claimed the lives of four teenagers coming home from a dance. As the father of one of the slain boys, Reverend Shaw Moore uses his spiritual and moral power in Bomont to enforce this policy, controlling everyone in town except his own daughter Ariel. Long Reach High School cuts loose in their production of Footloose.

From the moment feet poked out underneath the curtain the cast of Footloose was high energized with their big hair, colorful ruffles and sneakers. Cameron Cox preached his way through the show as Reverend Shaw Moore. With his clear strong voice he emphasized the emotion and seriousness of his character. During “Heaven Help Me” and “I Confess” Cox displayed emotions that were almost tangible.

As Ren MCormack, Julio Jimenez, skated his way into hearts with his singing and dancing skills as seen in “I Can’t Stand Still. Cody McNeely was awkwardly adorable as Willard Hewitt as he entertained with his splendid splits and polished dancing in the song “Let’s Hear it For the Boy.” McNeely and Jimenez displayed great chemistry throughout the show and their friendship was very convincing. The trio Joanne Amaro, Keshia L. Smith, and Anna Johnson were a triple threat with their clean dancing, harmonized singing (“Somebody’s watching” and “Holding Out For A Hero”) and humorous acting, these country school girls brought humor to the show.

The set consisted of a bridge that was transformed into a school and church in multiple scenes. The sound crew ensured that the actors were audible. Lighting was used to a great extent to help distinguish the mood whether the scene took place at a dance or a bridge. Spots helped focus the attention on the characters as they revealed their emotions while shifting was done efficiently and un-noticeably.

The Choreography done by Mrs. Robin Flood, Cody McNeeley, Joanne Amaro, Jene Chapelle, Keshia Smith, and Christina Coffman was entertaining and portrayed the story and the time period perfectly.

“Let’s hear it for the boys” and girls at Long Reach for their uplifting performance of Footloose.

Permalink Reply by Hayley Bridget Fremuth on April 3, 2010 at 7:38pm

Kicking off your sunday shoes was no trial in Long Reach's rendition of the classic musical, Footloose. This story revolves around a town with a buried past that is brought back to life when Ren McCormack, a boy living with his single mother, moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont and is shocked at the uptight nature of the whole administration.

Having a strong lead in any play is a necessity, and Julio Jimenez as Ren McCormack certainly got the chance to show off his footwork in this complementary role.

What was possibly the show's strongest point was the chemistry among the cast members. Every ensemble of characters; Wendy Jo (Keshia L. Smith) and Urleen (Joanne Amaro), Rusty (Anna Johnson) and Ren (Jimenez), Ren and Willard (Cody McNeeley), Reverend Shaw (Cameron Cox) and Vi (Nancy Erickson), and even Chuck Cranston (Davonte Williams) and his goonies seemed to show a well-established relationship.

The ensemble also held their own, no lack in facials visible even on a Sunday matinee. Tiffany Kearns as Cowgirl Singing Sally pleasured the audience with her terrific tones in her solo song, 'Let's Make Believe We're in Love.'

The choices made in this production highlighted talent well, giving smaller ensemble parts like Cowgirl Singing Sally a chance to be heard, while also giving a surprise spotlight to the leads. Cody McNeeley, whose character originally confesses he can't dance, in 'Let's Hear it for the Boy', proves himself wrong and shows off his dancing skills to match those of Jimenez, if not with somewhat of a western twist.

The set for this production added to the effectiveness of the play, the bridge that is such a cornerstone of the plot remaining in the center of the stage for the entirety of the show, adapting to the scene's needs. The set changes that were needed outside of the bridge were done swiftly and quietly, always masked by other action on the stage or music from the talented pit band.

By the time the curtain came down on Long Reach's footloose, the audience just couldn't stand still, dancing and clapping with the cast as they twisted and turned off the stage, their feet loose and their job well done.

Permalink Reply by Sarah O'Malley on April 4, 2010 at 1:34pm

Ahh, the 80’s; Loud outfits, louder pop music, and lots and lots of dancing. Well, except in one small town, that is, much to the frustration of every local teenager. Long Reach High School takes us to that small town in their production of Footloose, where Bomont, No-Where is about is about to seriously “cut loose!”

After his parents’s divorce, Ren McCormick, a typical teenage trouble maker, moves with his mother to the small southern town of Bomont. He soon learns that dancing is strictly forbidden. With the help of his new friend Willard and love interest Ariel, Ren dares to challenge the system. In this town, however, that means butting heads with Reverend Shaw Moore, Ariel’s father. Will anyone take this deviant teen seriously, or will the town of Bomont never get the dance they have desired for five years?

From the moment the music started, the cast of Footloose was bursting with energy, beginning with clever and cute dancing-feet-choreography under the curtain. Every character was done-up in giant hair and Chuck Taylor sneakers, appropriate for the show’s time period. Though song lyrics were often hard to understand, and microphones occasionally cut-out or buzzed, the cast remained composed, compensating with energetic dancing and lively facials.

Julio Jimenez captured the moody, yet playful attitude of Ren McCormick excellently. In every dance break, particularly in “I Can’t Stand Still,” he was dynamic, yet clean in his movement, displaying quick-footed, skillful choreography with just a hint of swagger. Jimenez’s talent for roller-skating was also showcased, and added a humorous touch to his scenes in the Burger Blast Diner.

Ren’s foil, Reverend Shaw Moore, was personified perfectly by Cameron Cox. Cox’s smooth, soulful, and booming voice gave the Reverend power in every musical number and scene. Always appropriately serious, Cox embodied the sternness of his character in voice, posture, facials, and gestures, resulting in an incredibly believable and mature performance.

Nancy Erickson as Vi Moore, displayed equal maturity in her role. In scenes with the Reverend, Erickson captured the subordinate, but never meek, nature of her character. In a truly moving performance of “Can You Find It In Your Heart?” Erickson displayed impressive vocals and emotional maturity, showing the inner power of the Reverend’s wife.

Cody McNeeley, in the role of Willard Hewitt, added a comedic energy to every scene. In his loveable portrayal of Willard, McNeeley captured the tough exterior but good-hearted nature of Ren’s pal. McNeeley embraced the lovable oafishness of Willard as he attempts to learn how to dance, but later impressed with difficult choreography, including a toe-touch off of a countertop into a full split.

The cast of Footloose gave an inspiring performance in all aspects. With impressive vocals, comedic moments, and dramatic maturity, Long Reach left audiences in “Almost Paradise.”

Permalink Reply by Maddie Zins on April 13, 2010 at 3:20pm

The cast of Footloose at Long Reach HS danced their way into audiences’ hearts; the performance incorporated compelling prevalent issues and dancing that lightened the mood urging audience members to join in the “celebration of life.” Footloose is an eclectic musical, having both comedic and dramatic motifs within it-- the plot follows Ren McCormack and the members of the small town he relocates to after living and dancing in Chicago all of his life. Ren is appalled to find that dancing is prohibited in Bomont, forcing him to take action against such a law but is faced with stiff conservative opposition from the parents of the town’s teenagers who remain loyal to the strict views of Reverend Shaw Moore.

The pair of Julio Jimenez and Sandy Johnston as the rebellious teens Ren McCormack and Reverend Moore’s daughter Ariel Moore had chemistry in songs such as Almost Paradise; the duo also separately conveyed their characters tormented by loss with a connection that added to their magnetism. Cameron Cox (Reverend Shaw Moore) effectively utilized a booming character voice to entice fear from his daughter, wife and fellow town members. Cox’s heartfelt acting showed in musical numbers like I Confess which highlighted his classical voice.

Standout supporting roles included Cody McNeeley playing Willard Hewitt and Anna Johnson playing Rusty who made an adorable match; in Let’s Hear it for the Boy Johnson’s light beautiful voice and McNeeley’s hilarious comedic timing, and dancing tricks/skills were showcased. Other characters included the energetic pair of Joanne Amaro (Urleen) and Keshia L. Smith (Wendy Jo) as teenage girls with big mouths and even bigger humor. Cameo Tiffany Kearns as Cowgirl Singing Sally displayed her sultry singing style in Let’s Make Believe We’re in Love that captivated audiences.

The aspect of this production that shined the brightest was the lively, young choreography created by Cody McNeeley, Joanne Amaro, Jene Chapelle, Keshia Smith and Christina Coffman. Footloose is a production that’s focal point should be intricate dancing and this performance captured the light fun 80’s style dance making the illusion of the time period even more believable.

Long Reach’s sets for this show were very representational, showing the director’s (Marla Blasko) attention to deeper themes within the show. The bridge that stayed across the top of the proscenium arch throughout the performance symbolized the attachment the town had to the accident that occurred, how citizens cannot let it go and later when it connects the two groups within Bomont: the defiant young and the conventional old.

“I hear America singing,” (Whitman) Reverend Moore quoted to his congregation, and later asking “what song are you singing?” but the real question answered in Long Reach HS’s production is “what are you singing for?” and more pointedly “what are you dancing for?”; the company of Footloose danced joyously for themselves and the cause in their hearts. Because one must pause and ask themselves, why are you dancing, and if you’re not dancing, why don’t you start?

Permalink Reply by Aimee Hechler on April 21, 2010 at 9:27pm

In the small town of Bomont, numerous bans have limited the townspeople’s ability to have fun. However, in Long Reach High School’s production of Footloose, the audience was treated to a enjoyable dose of musical theatre courtesy of Bomont residents.
Footloose is set in the fictional rural town of Bomont, and follows the story of the young angst-filled Ren McCormack, a teenager who has just moved from Chicago to Bomont. He is hesitant about moving, but is even more shocked to learn that dancing, one of his favorite pastimes, is banned in Bomont. Together, Ren and the local teenagers unite to overthrow this ordinance, but are met with conflict from the town’s preacher, Reverend Shaw Moore.
While the energy of the production was sometimes lagging, the cast ultimately pulled it together and managed to have an adrenaline packed second act.
The leads fueled this production, particularly Ren McCormack (Julio Jimenez). Jimenez’s choreography was very dynamic, and he lived up to his character’s zaniness and energy potential. Conversely, he was also able to perform in serious scenes, such as those which included Rev. Shaw. As Reverend Shaw Moore, Cameron Cox gave a stellar performance, using his rich voice and mature demeanor to embrace Shaw’s character. In such numbers as “I Confess” and “Footloose” his powerful voice shone through. The trio of Rusty, Urleen, and Wendy Jo (Anna Johnson, Joanne Amaro, and Keshia Smith, respectively) was particularly captivating, consistently playing off of each other to create comedic sequences that balanced with the show’s dramatic themes. Willard Hewitt (Cody McNeeley) was an adorable country bumpkin, who broke out during “Let’s Hear It For the Boy” demonstrating his considerable dancing abilities.
Long Reach’s costumes were very reminiscent of 80’s style, both the fashionable and the conservative. The tech crew also heavily utilized spotlights, which worked well for the most part, while in certain scenes it proved to be ineffective.
So if you’re in need of a break from the daily grind, come to Long Reach to “cut footloose!”