There was certainly no power crisis in Mosgiel’s Coronation Hall on Thursday evening. The large audience on the opening night of Taieri Musical’s Footloose was brimming with energy and electricity from beginning to end.
The creative team provided the inspiration for this vigorous performance. Director Ben Thomas used the stage in a variety of innovative ways and brought out the inherent humour in many situations. The storyline was strongly told; scene changes were well handled but will tighten up as the season progresses. Exciting lighting and sound effects added to the atmosphere and energy on stage. Costumes were very effective and the dancing footwear for the women was exceptional.
The choreography of Cadyne Geary was outstanding. From the smaller ensemble numbers to the full cast numbers, all singers danced with rhythmic security and precision.
Musical director Samuel Leaper lead the band from the keyboard with amazing dexterity.
Sam Kelly played the role of Ren. He sang with finely tuned body and voice and showed astounding athleticism in his every move. Zara Anthony-Whigham as Ariel was the perfect partner for Kelly. She performed with teenage zest and revealed a developing passion.
The other 14 main roles were excellently cast. Standouts were Jack Archibald as Willard Hewitt. His facial expressions in Mama Says were priceless. Charlotte McKay in the role of Vi Moore, was the empathetic antithesis to her husband, the Reverend Shaw Moore, played by Darrel Read. His rendition of Can you Find it in Your Heart was an emotional highlight. The male ensemble sang with plenty of testosterone giving them vocal strength without shouting; the dancing of the male quartet was superb. The singing of the female trios was a vocal highlight. The female ensemble danced with teenage vitality and infatuation, but their singing suffered at times from suspect intonation.
This not-to-be-missed show runs until Saturday.
Review by Judy Bellingham
