Everybody Cut Footloose

‘Footloose” started life as a 1984 movie musical with a cute Kevin Bacon playing Ren, who tries to tame his bushy hair and Chicago ways to survive life in Bomont, a small farming town out west. Of course he irks Bomont’s minister, who sees song and dance as the devil’s work. But for Ren and his new friends, it’s a way to let off steam and adolescent stress.

Sarah Combs, a longtime director for the Sharon Playhouse, has presented the musical many times. Her version opens there for a three-day run on Friday.

This Sharon Playhouse Youth Theater production is so smart and shiny, and the choreography is so much fun, who cares about the plot? 

Liam Grimaldi, a theater major playing the part of Ren, is a great jumper and a pleasure to watch, and so is the trio of girls played by Kelly Follette, Kirby Sclafani and Anna Spindley. And let’s not forget the object of his desire Ariel, a leggy and beautiful Sophie Rundhaug, the minister’s daughter.

“Footloose” runs at the Sharon Playhouse on July 14 at 7 p.m.; July 15 at 2 and 7  p.m.; and July 16 at 2 p.m. For tickets, go to www.sharonplayhouse.org or call 860-364-7469.

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