Footloose

I have not encountered Footloose before, but thoroughly enjoyed this MLOC production. Though the premise is a bit corny, the strength of the acting drew me in.

This was a colourful, high energy show with a large cast. There was a steel structure at the back for elevation, and different parts of the set were wheeled on and off swiftly to keep the action moving.

After seeing a number of overtly sexual operas of late, it's refreshing to see a delicate restraint in the relationship between the two lovers, Ren and Ariel. Michael Hurrey and Mollie Williams found a genuine chemistry, and being able to sing and dance as well as they did was an extra bonus.

Ashley Cooper was excellent as Ariel’s father, the preacher who took the high moral ground before finding his humanity again. This was a terrific voice. Emma Blake was his long suffering wife, who had some moments of real pathos. Almost stealing the show was Nick Rees as the gawky Willard. He had some great scenes and was very funny.

There appeared to be a lot of trios and quartets in the show, and all involved close harmony singing, which was invariably accurate and exciting. Deanne Palmieri, Maddi Plum and Amanda Rotberg shone in this area. The choreography was tight.

As it was opening night, microphones were occasionally switched on a bit late. However, it was the lighting which was the biggest disappointment. Maybe some of the lights blew or the cues were out of sequence, but in one trio two were in spot and the other in darkness, while at the end of the first act half the performers stretched across the front of the stage were unlit. Often actors at the front of the stage were in darkness.

Hopefully these issues can be addressed as this was a truly delightful evening.

Graham Ford