Footloose

We loved bringing Footloose to MSC this year.

The production team and I were thrilled to present this show to the MSC community. Footloose was such an iconic movie of the 80’s due to its emotional storyline and appealing characters. It’s a show that stands the test of time, being as relevant today as it was then, with its misunderstood teenagers and concerned adults trying to find a way to meet somewhere in the middle.

The theatrical version of Footloose brought alive all the favourite songs from the movie, songs like the title track ‘Footloose’, ‘Let’s hear it for the Boy’, ‘Holding out for a Hero’ and ‘Almost Paradise’. The script was funny, poignant and uplifting. The show offered opportunities for the students to show off all their talents whether it be singing, acting or dancing, with a large cast of leads and supporting characters.

The backstage crew got to share their talents and learn new skills. It was great to see all year levels working so well together to construct the amazing sets that lit up the stage. As director I was lucky enough to also have Niamh McPartland, a Year 11 students at this school, offer her services as assistant director. She was a great asset and kept me sane amidst all the chaos.

Putting together a production like this is certainly a team effort and we would like to thank everyone involved. We would also like to thank the Principal, Linda Stanton, and the members of the school council for supporting the performing arts. It has provided a great opportunity for students of all year levels to come together on a weekly basis for the past five months to share their love of performance, song and dance.

We hope you enjoyed the show!

Kylie Wiersma and Team

Cast

Willard: Redmond McKenzie

Our musical director was not impressed when we stole his lead guitarist to star as the country hick, Willard. But as Mama says, “Once you drive up a mountain, you can’t back down’. Red brought a whole lot of fun to the show and a whole lot of energy to his performance.

Urleen: Ruby-Rose Ogier

Ruby has performed in the chorus of 3 previous school productions; Adam’s Family, Legally Blonde and The Little Mermaid. This was Ruby’s first main role and she approached it with a mature professionalism. She is a talent to watch.

Ren: Simon Rhoden

Simon claims that when he turned up to the audition he believed that he was standing in line for a doughnut. Next thing he knew he had the lead role. Simon practically had to memorise the entire script which was an awesome achievement. His commitment and easy going nature made him a dream to work with and we loved him as Ren, the young man who set out to change a community.

Rusty: Zoe Rhoden

We are thrilled to have Zoe back again this year after her stint in High School Musical 2. She is such an amazing talent and one of the nicest people in show business. She was a true professional, who turned up to every rehearsal with lines memorised and with a smile on her face.

Ariel: Fynn Williams

Fynn blew us away with her beautiful voice and mature attitude. As a Year 8 student she more than held her own as the lovely leading lady with the broken heart. She brought enthusiasm and a smile to every rehearsal and we loved her as Ariel.

Wendy Jo: Mary-Louise Wakefield

Mary’s animated acting won her the role of Wendy Jo, the slightly kooky member of the trio of Ariel’s ‘besties’. As a Year 7 student she more than held her own against the more experienced stage performers and I’m sure we’ll see her treading the boards for years to come.

Shaw: Kurin Lelean

Wow! That pretty much sums up Kurin. Every time he delivered a line or sang a song we were transported into the world of Shaw. What a pleasure it was working with someone so committed to a role that they required no direction whatsoever. Loved it!

Vi: Leah Chespy

Lovely Leah. I don’t think we ever saw Leah without a smile on her face. She brought a gentle soul to the character of Vi. Leah is one of those easy going people who keenly takes on board all directions given to her and pretty much just gets on with the show. What a pleasure!

Chuck – Max Stockton

Max ‘gave his all’ to the character of Chuck, the villain of the show, delivering his lines with such ferocity sometimes that it was scary. Max learnt how to dance, sing and play air guitar for this show and surprised us all at the Talent Quest when he had a ‘dance-off’ dressed as an inflatable T-Rex.

Ethel – Marlaina Eldridge

Marlaina stepped out from behind the curtains this year to play Ren’s mother Ethel. She has been costume designer extraordinaire from previous productions but we were extremely glad she chose to hang up her dress-makers tape to pick up a microphone and perform for you instead.

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