Review: FOOTLOOSE Plays to a Sold-Out House at the Barn Players

Footloose opened to a packed house on Friday January 16 at the Barn Players Theater. Directed and choreographed by Guy Gardner, presented by the Barn Juniors, Footloose features middle school and high school students. Based on the screenplay by Dean Pitchford the stage adaption is by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie with music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford.

The magnificently designed choreography by Gardner was amazing to watch as the large cast nearly flawlessly performed on the small stage. One of the many highlights takes place as Ren teaches his friend Willard how to dance. The scene delightfully showcased the talents of Alec Walberg as Ren and Hewleek McKoy, who in Act II demonstrates his marvelous vocal talent with "Mama Says," as Willard.

Loosely based on events that took place in Elmore City, Oklahoma, Footloose is the tale of an angry teen forced to move from his hometown of Chicago to the small town of Bomont. Quickly his attitude and antics land him in trouble and he is shocked to discover that rock music and dancing are not only banned but also illegal in the small town.

Ren, impressively played by Walberg, decides to fight the system, city hall, and Reverend Moore, played by Alex Leondedis, to get the law changed. His infatuation with Ariel Moore, the rebellious preacher's daughter, grows and with her support, he plans his strategy to bring Bomont from the tragedy of the past and back to the present.

Veronica Wood gives a fine performance as Ariel Moore. As she sits on a wall overlooking the railroad tracks with Ren, they give a remarkable performance of "Almost Paradise." If this were a sporting event, this piece would lead the highlight reel.

One of the finest performances of the night came from Kennedy Clinkscale who plays Vi Moore, the wife of Reverend Moore. Clinkscale not only has a magnificent voice, but also proves that she has an abundance of acting talent, with her powerful portrayal of the character.

Dave Wernsmann as Chuck Cranston, Andrea Azeltine as Urleen, Sabrina Stewart as Wendy Jo, Kenzi Parsons as Ethel McCormack, and Lakin Allen as Rusty give strong performances in their supporting roles. Other cast members include Abigail Cottingham, Adam Segura, Sheridan Mirador, Paige Padgett, Cole Bracken, Brady Metcalf, Gavin Hoedl, Merritt Parsons, Margaret Anne Veglahn, Mahryn Barron, Veronica Dervin, Kayla Civil, Alyssa Hoedl, Claire Segura, and Brooklyn Terrill. The orchestra conducted by Musical Director Todd Kendall Gregory-Downs included Daniel Doss, Matt Patterson, Nick Yoder, Bill Wood, Joshua Finch, Frank Annecchini, and Gordon Case.

With the abundance of young talent on the stage, the future of performing arts in Kansas City appears to be bright. Footloose continues at The Barn Players through January 25, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets at The Barn Players website. Photo courtesy of The Barn Players.

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