Footloose

WAAPA’s annual musical at the Maj Is an eagerly anticipated event. Performed by WAAPA Second and Third Year Musical Theatre students it is supported and crewed by WAAPA production and design students and features musical accompaniment predominantly by WAAPA students.

This year’s offering is Footloose, based on the 1980s film of the same name. This celebration of dance allows many students to play roles only a few years younger than themselves, and the celebratory nature of this show allows performers to shine.

Bryan Woltjen’s highly industrial set design uses the full height of His Majesty’s Theatre stage over multiple levels. Lighting design by Jason Glenwright Is both sophisticated and fun. Costume design, by Megan Parker, uses colour well and is a strong indicator of character.

Mitchell France is excellent as central character Ren McCormack, anchoring the show beautifully. His love interest, trying-to-be bad girl, Ariel Moore, is played with passion and sass by Belle Parkinson. Artemis Alfonzetti is a passionate and likeable Rusty, with Matthew Manning winning the hearts of the audience with his gorgeously awkward Willard Hewitt.

Great maturity from young actors playing much older characters, including Tim Brown as the troubled and conflicted Reverend Shaw Moore and Emily Lambert, beautifully voicing His wife Vi Moore. Grace Alston is believable as Ren's mother Ethel MacCormack, with strong support from Abby Hutcheon as Eleanor Dunbar, Patrick Friedlander as coach Roger Dunbar and Marcus Frost as Principal Harry Clark.

Genevieve Goldman and Mia Gugliemi are lovely as Ariel's friends Urleen and Wendy Jo, and It was great to see a touch of a queer subplot in the characters of Travis and Lyle, expertly played (and with great dancing skills), by Declan Allen and Curtis Kossart. Patrick Volpe, again accesses his dark side, playing Ariel’s abusive boyfriend Chuck Cranston. 

Strong performances abound in the principal cast, with excellent support from second year students who make up the bulk of the ensemble. Singing, well accompanied by the orchestra, is excellent throughout and choreography under the guidance of Jodie Bickle is simply outstanding.

A great sense of a united ensemble throughout and the teamwork and joy of performing is very evident in this production.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Stephen Heath