Javeenbah Theatre Cuts Loose with Footloose!

Javeenbah Theatre Cuts Loose with Footloose!

It’s been 30 years since Kevin Bacon starred in the hit teen dancing flick Footloose. To celebrate the anniversary, Javeenbah Theatre (Gold Coast, Queensland) will stage the stage musical version this May.

The Oscar and Tony-nominated musical is the theatre company’s first musical for 2014 and is directed by Amy-Louise Anderson and Jocelyn Moore-Carter with choreography by Kym Reynolds and Clay English.

Footloose follows the story of Ren, a rebellious teenager who moves to a small middle-American town where dance is forbidden. Ren encourages his classmates to defy the local pastor and call for a rock'n'roll prom.  The musical shines with 80s anthems including Holding out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It for the Boy, and of course the title track, Footloose.

Co-Director Amy-Louise says the youthful energy of the relatively young cast fills the theatre from the opening number.

“The cast, while predominately teens, also ranges from as young as 12 and as old as 74,” she said.

“Jackson Brash who plays Ren McCormick, at only 19, is a Javeenbah regular having last appeared in 13! The Musical.

“Lauren Steiner, 18, who plays Ariel is new to Javeenbah but we were blown away by her audition and are thrilled to have her in the cast.

(Jackson and Lauren are pictured right.)

“There is a palpable sense of community and togetherness in this ensemble and it creates an undeniable charm and feel-good vibe.

Co-Director Jocelyn Moore-Carter agrees saying audiences will find it impossible not get swept up by the energy and enthusiasm of all involved.

“The cast have been rehearsing for months in preparation for the May 23rd opening,” she said.

“Whether you’re a fan of musicals or are looking for somewhere to cut loose, then kick off your Sunday shoes and head on down to Footloose,” Mrs Moore-Carter said.

Footloose opened on Broadway in 1998, fourteen years after the movie of the same name premiered, where it enjoyed a runof709 performances.

Footloose runs at Javeenbah Theatre from 23rd May – 7th June with a possible extension to 14th June.

Tickets are $25.00 – please phone 5596 0300 or visit www.javeenbah.org.auto book tickets now.

Javeenbah Theatre is located on the Cnr of Stevens St and Ferry St, Nerang. 

Cast:

Ren: Jackson Brash

Ariel: Lauren Steiner

Shaw: Nathan Skaines

Vi: Monique Kinerson

Ethel: Sally Wood

Rusty: Frankie Spear

Wendy Jo: Sabrina Durante

Urleen: Aleksija Mirkovic

Willard: Jy Etherington

Bickle: Zac Gaffey

Garvin: Daniel Newberry

Jeter: James Clack

Chuck: Jack Harbour

Lyle: Clay English

Travis: Todd Jesson

Wes: David Richardson

Lulu: Michelle Watkins

Coach: Howard Jones

Eleanor: Natalie Campbell

Betty: Natalie Campbell

Principal: Norm Stambini

Cowboy: Clay English

Cowgirl: Natalie Campbell

Chuck’s girls: Melanie Rankine, Laura Carrett

Teen ensemble:

Lilly Jerrett

Charlotte Schmidt

Elloise Reardon

Flynn Anderson

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