Show by Show: Footloose

He's a big city kid in a small town. They said he'd never win. He knew he had to.



"Footloose" means something ... well ... to just about everyone. Debuting in 1984, this classic tale of teen rebellion is accented by memorable dance sequences, surprisingly realistic performances, and some of the most memorable songs of the mid-'80s.


Not to mention Kevin Bacon.

The movie tells the story of Ren, a big-city kid from Chicago who moves with his mom to a small Midwestern town where rock music and dancing are, believe it or not, illegal. Fortunately for Ren, there is one small pleasure: Ariel, a lovely blonde who is herself rebelling against a jealous boyfriend and father, himself the small-town minister responsible for keeping the town dance-free.


A character with a great spine, excellent taste in '80s rock, and infectious charisma, (spoiler alert) Ren rebels, falls in love, has a few fights, offers some strong sentiments about the power of dance, and before you know it has led a teen rebellion and everyone is cutting a rug.


It's great fun!


"Footloose" was an exciting show to add to our 2008-09 season. First hitting our radar last fall, we put the show on an audience survey and received a huge, favorable response. Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that a show that has been a part of our cultural mindset for almost a quarter century would have broad appeal.


More importantly, though, Footloose speaks to everyone who has had to defend the culture and cultural choices of their generation to their elders ... something that has been going on so long that it's hard to imagine the argument "Dad, Aeschelus is so last year. Kids today love melodrama. It's all about Euripedes. Get with it!" didn't happen at least once.


"Footloose" the musical debuted on Broadway in 1998, was nominated for several Tony Awards, and played for audiences drawn in by its enthusiastic music and cast. It premiered in London's West End in 2006, where it continues in an open-ended run. Featuring many of the original movie songs, the show is an exciting blast from the past, a fun way to enjoy a movie that has touched several generations.


"Footloose" comes to the BCPA on Sunday, April 19 at 3 pm

• The show's running time is approximately two hours and 20 minutes, with one intermission.
• It's a story about teens, religion, music, and relationships. Probably best suited for someone who's 10, 11 or older.

Lastly, for fun while you're waiting for next April, take a look at this new recording of "Footloose" by Doveman. Interesting story behind the recording and a distinctive take on the songs.