Engeman Theater's Exhilarating "Footloose" is a Fun Treat for the Whole Family

Written By: Cindi Sansone-Braff

Are your teens bored this summer? Could you use a positive energy infusion yourself? Then "kick off the Sunday shoes" and go see "Footloose: The Musical" at the beautiful Engeman Theater. This upbeat show opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on October 22, 1998, with a book by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, music by Tom Snow, and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman.

Based on the iconic 1984 film of the same name, this mega-voltage stage adaptation revolves around Ren and his mother, who must leave the big city life in Chicago behind to go live in a rural farm town somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Ren, fully aware that it would take some time to adjust to small-town life, was nonetheless shocked by the strict local edicts instituted by an overzealous, unhappy, arch-conservative preacher.

Tommy Ranieri, a talented Long Island native, directed this magical production. Ranieri has staged this show across the country, and in the Director's Note of the program stated, "Directing 'Footloose' at home reminds me why I fell in love with this show in the first place. It calls on each of us to trust ourselves, to move freely despite fear, grief, or hesitation. It urges us not just to watch the dance, but to join in, because to dance without inhibition is to fully live."

With that said, a round of applause goes out to Trent Soyster for his high-energy, intricate choreography, especially during the big production numbers "I'm Free/Heaven Help Me" and the electrifying finale, "Footloose."

Tanner Gleeson mesmerized the audience with his charismatic, spot-on performance of the troubled protagonist Ren McCormack. With his wide variety of dance moves, including hip-hop and line dancing, Gleeson embodies Ren's fiery, can't stand still, got to keep moving spirit. Karina Gallagher, another native Long Islander, delivered an award-worthy performance as Ariel Moore, the intelligent but rebellious preacher's daughter. The chemistry between these two young actors ignited the stage, and their powerful rendition of the romantic ballad, "Almost Paradise," was one of the show's high points.

The Reverend Shaw Moore, Ariel's father, isn't your typical all-bad antagonist. Sure, he is overly strict and rigidly judgmental at times, but he is also a disillusioned man drowning in grief, who has allowed his fears to obliterate his faith. Dan Fenaughty brought a nuanced performance to the role of the control freak preacher, allowing the audience to empathize with this well-intended, yet misguided, shell of a man. Fenaughty, with his rich baritone voice and commanding stage presence, delivered a moving rendition of "Heaven Help Me." Larissa Klinger was believable as Vi Moore, Reverend Moore's loving but lonely wife. Klinger showcased her beautiful Mezzo-Soprano voice during the gorgeous ballad "Can You Find It in Your Heart?"

Grace Ellis Solomon aced the role of Rusty, Ariel's best friend, and stole the show with her pitch-perfect rendition of "Let's Hear It for the Boy." Two other standout performers were Channing Weir as Wendy Jo and Olivia Hellman as Urleen, two of Ariel's other loyal friends. Solomon, Weir, and Hellman rocked the plot-driven song, "Somebody's Eyes."

Ryan Bronston, a natural-born comedian, was well-cast as Willard, the dim-witted, warm-hearted country bumpkin who befriends Ren. During the hilarious song "Mama Says," Bronston proved he can sing and dance as well as he can deliver a perfectly timed punch line.

Two other notable performers were Jennifer Byrne in the role of Ren's devoted mother, Ethel McCormack, and Brooks Andrew as Chuck Cranston, Ariel's bad-to-the-bones, high school dropout, drug-dealing boyfriend.

The first-rate ensemble includes Brooks Andrew, Connor Barton, Isaiah Baston, Ryan Bronston, Paul Chamberlain, Alan Chandler, Richard Chaz Gomez, Olivia Hellman, Chance K. Ingalls, Phoenix Assata LaFreniere, Juan Romero Muñoz, Madeline Raube, Julia Rippon, Molly Samson, Scott Silagy, Emily Ann Stys, Channing Weir, and Carson Zoch.

Engeman assembled a top-notch Creative Team, including Cole P. Abod (Musical Director), Kyle Dixon (Scenic Design), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), John Burkland (Lighting Design), Laura Shubert (Sound Design), Megan Cohen (Props Design), Julia Rippon (Associate Choreographer), and Jeff Knaggs (Wig/Makeup Design).

This fun-for-the-whole-family musical will have you "Still Rockin'" long after the curtain falls. "Footloose" runs through August 24, 2025. For a complete show schedule and more information, contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport, or go to their website: https://www.engemantheater.com/