Everybody’s ‘Footloose’

Tom Titus

Stage musicals set in small-town America are few and far between, but

every so often, we who have our roots in the heartland get to applaud a

“Music Man,” a “Bye Bye, Birdie” or a “Grease.”

Musicals that have their genesis on the silver screen also are rare, but

again, there are shows such as “Promises, Promises,” “Applause” and the

Orange County Performing Arts Center’s most recent tenant, “Sunset

Boulevard.”

Currently kicking up its heels at the center is a show that fits

comfortably into both categories. “Footloose” is a small-town saga that

first saw the light of day from a projection booth in 1984. It’ll make you want to get up and kick yours in the aisles at intermission.

“Footloose,” for those unfamiliar with the flick, centers on a young man

reluctantly relocated from Chicago to a square burg a few miles to the

south where the most serious crime seems tobe dancing. The local preacher

has seen to that after his son and three other youths died in a car crash

on their way to a hop a few years back.

Thus, the ultimate goal of young Ren and his buddies is to defrost the

town council and get the music going and the feet flying again. And it’s

not an easy task because the cleric exercises a bitter dose of moral

dictatorship among the local citizenry.

As flimsy as the plot line may seem, it’s still the backbone of

“Footloose,” which was adapted by original scenarist Dean Pitchford, who

wrote the lyrics for Tom Snow’s musical score. It’s a story-driven show,

rather than a songfest with a few scenes here and there, like so many

musicals seem to be.

Strong acting and A.C. Ciulla’s terrific, energetic choreography are the

principal ingredients of “Footloose,” with Joe Machota excelling as the

rebellious but likable new kid on the block. Niki Scalera is every teen

lad’s dream as the preacher’s daughter who has a wild streak (don’t they

all?) even before Ren arrives.

The key role of the emotionally insulated pastor is superbly interpreted

by Daren Kelly, who reveals just enough heart under the backward collar

that we know he’ll do the right thing when it counts. Mary Gordon Murray

is a delight as his lovingly loyal wife, whose heart is with the young

people, and Marsha Waterbury does a fine job as Ren’s troubled mom.

No musical comedy would be complete without a comic sidekick of each

gender. Christian Bourle and Stephanie St. James fill these roles

delightfully as the geeky buddy who can’t dance and the motormouth chick

who’s willing to teach him. Matthew Morrison has some nice moments as a

surly dropout, ticked off over losing his girl to the new guy (the show

could use an onstage showdown between them).

Familiar songs such “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Almost Paradise” (a

neat love duet for the stars) are blended with others written for the

stage version. And the two ensemble dance numbers that wind up each act,

“I’m Free” as a romp at the school gym and the title tune give the large,

young and spirited cast some great chances to strut their stuff.

“Footloose” is a fancy-free musical banana split that reminds you what

fun it was to be young and brimming with hormones and energy. And the

cherry on top is the freewheeling choreography.

CUTLINE: Niki Scalera and Joe Machota find being together “Almost

Paradise” in the teen musical comedy “Footloose” at the Orange County

Performing Arts Center.

WHAT: “Footloose”

WHERE: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa

Mesa

WHEN: Final performances today at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7:30

HOW MUCH: $18 to $52.50

TICKETS: (714) 740-7878