Cut 'FOOTLOOSE' at SCERA Shell This Summer

It's summer and a great time to be footloose and fancy-free. Well, the audience must supply its own version of fancy free, but the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre can provide the footloose factor when one of the most explosive movie musicals of all time - "Footloose" - takes to the live stage July 1-16.

Long-time residents may especially appreciate the show because the movie that made a star of Kevin Bacon was filmed in Utah Valley. Others can still appreciate the energy, the story of redemption, the music, and especially, the exciting choreography that drew some of the area's finest dancers to auditions.

Opening night will be especially celebratory with an '80s costume contest. The audience is encouraged to bring big hair as well as '80s fashion to the Shell and will be invite to come onstage, win over the crowd, and collect some prizes. Busting out some '80s moves might help score points for the applause meter. Just remember to be modest and family appropriate.

Director Jeremy Showgren has given SCERA some of its most successful productions, as he's taken the reigns on "LES MISERABLES," "Mary Poppins," and most recently "Saturday's Warrior." And although he also serves as music director of "Footloose" and praises the rocking Oscar and Tony-nominated musical score, he believes it is the dancing that will have people talking.

"We've secured the considerable talents of Tyne Valgardson Crockett, and I consider her one of the finest choreographers anywhere," he says. "Dancers came out of the woodwork, not only because this is such a dance-heavy show, but also because they knew Tyne's skills. Her attention to detail is incredible, and during the dance sequences, you can see eight to ten intricate patterns simultaneously that make it a different viewing experience depending on where you put your focus."

The show is set in the mid-'80s, when the film was made, and the music and dancing have kept the story relevant. "Dancing is what holds everyone together," Showgren explains, "and it symbolizes how people can collaborate and find their voices through art."

"Footloose" focuses on Ren, who moves from Chicago with his single mom to a small farm town. His assimilation into a new life is complicated by severe local regulations. It astonishes him that the local preacher has effectively imposed a ban on dancing as a way to control the town's youth. Ironically, the most challenging person is his own teenage daughter, who is attracted to the new student. As an outsider, the locals are quick to judge Ren as a troublemaker, but the heartfelt and redemptive evolution of the musical eventually reveals the story of a father longing for a son who died and a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

Jake Thompson plays Ren, and is so right for the role, Showgren says he cannot imagine anyone else playing the lead. "Jake is charismatic and charming with impeccable timing he uses to balance both the comedic and dramatic elements of his character."

Kelsea Kocherhans is Ariel, Ren's love interest, whom Showgren lauds for her beautiful voice and the subtleties she has found in a character often portrayed more broadly.

Other major roles are filled by Garrett Smit as Reverend Shawn Moore; Kelsey Mariner as his wife, Vi Moore; McKay Elwood as Willard; and McKenna Hixson as Rusty. More than 70 people make up the talented cast.

Also supporting the show is Nat Reed's Solid-Gold and American Bandstand-inspired set design that evokes the era of the '80s, including levels, railings, scaffolding, ramps, and slides for Showgren and the cast to play with and play on. "It's another star," Showgren says.

The creative team is rounded out with Kelsey Seaver as costume designer; ElizaBeth Griffiths as lighting designer; and Christy Norton as Props Designer.

"Footloose" will play @ 8:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with no shows on July 2 or 4. General admission tickets for adults are $12, and children (age 3-11) and seniors (age 65+) are $10. Reserved areas with a free chairs range from $14 to $16 for adults, and $12 to $14 for children and seniors. Non-profit and church group or 20 or more may purchase tickets in advance for $6.00. Tickets are available at www.scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, in person at the SCERA Center for the Arts (745 S. State St., Orem), open 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm, or at the Shell gate 90 minutes prior to each performance.

Photo Credit: Mark A. Philbrick

To post a comment, you must register and login.