One of the most explosive movie musicals from the 1980s cuts loose at The Joan in Penrith on March 16 and 17.
Footloose is presented by Loud Theatre Company, an ‘on tour’ youth company featuring the most talented performing arts students across Sydney from state and private high schools.
Blue Mountains teenagers are among the cast, including Luke Zoglmeyer and Bailey Wootton from Blaxland High School. Students from Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School at Emu Plains are also in the cast.
In case you’ve forgotten the storyline: Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town. While Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school, he isn’t prepared for the rigorous local edicts – a ban on rock music and dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home.
When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid.
The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
The story is loosely based on actual events that took place in the small, rural, and religious community of Elmore City, Oklahoma.
To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one has sold over 15 million copies) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
Loud Theatre Company’s goal is to inspire people of all ages from everywhere to enjoy the performing arts, and not just the cast, but audiences too. Don’t forget, there is a time to cry, a time to laugh, a time to grieve and a time to dance: The Footloose show takes you to all those places.
Tickets are available online via www.thejoan.com.au or call the box office on 4723 7600.
Performances will be held on Friday, March 16 at 7.30pm; and Saturday, March 17 at 2pm and 7.30pm.