REVIEW | Sure fire hit Footloose thrills Longford audiences

After five nights of enthralling audiences the cast and crew of St Mel's Musical Society's 2023 production 'Footloose' put on their final performance on Saturday night. The months of labour were very much on show as the ensemble gave a storming show.

The programme for St Mel's Musical Society references the gap since the last time they hit the boards. Members' concern that the break would in any way quell the public appetite proved unfounded.

The new venue in St Mel's College was a gamble for the organisers, but the packed houses suggest that theatre goers were willing to accept the change.

The Society drafted in Galway man Alan Greaney to oversee this production. So, a new venue, a new director and some new names in the cast.

'Footloose' is a remake of the iconic 1984 film of the same name. It's the story of Chicago teen Ren McCormack (Brian Dalton) who, along with his mother Ethel (Louise Walsh), has moved to the small town of Bomont.

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Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend Moore (Paul Hennessy). The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of Ariel (Natasha Brady), the Reverend’s daughter and his new friend Willard (Jesse Kersh), Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.

It celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness. The show includes iconic 80's songs, 'Let's hear it for the boy', 'Holding out for a Hero' and of course the unforgettable title track 'Footloose'.

The strength of the cast is so powerful it's almost unfair to single individuals out. That said, the principles, Brian Dalton and Natasha Brady, gave professional standard performances, with a real stage chemistry between them. The vocal performances of Paul Hennessy, Joanne Sexton as the reverend's wife, and Katie Gallagher as Rusty were wonderful.

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The comedic skills of Jesse Kersh, Sabina Dolan (Betty Blast), and Ashling Manning and Caoimhe Hennessy as (Arleen and Wendy Jo) were notable.

Support cast Brendan Ryan, Oisin Dowling, Andrew Reynolds, Michelle Kelly, Jim Maher, Gerry Rafferty, and Grainne Fox ensured there was not a weak link in the show.

Niamh O’Brien's role as choreographer could not be understated. Dancing is an integral component of 'Footloose'. O'Brien's contribution, thanks to a particularly skilful troupe, was not short of exceptional.

The music of Footloose was sublime. The pit orchestra was extraordinary and Musical Director, Vince Tully, wrung everything out of his cast to deliver performances of the highest standard.

The visual style of St Mel's Musical Society annual productions are the stuff of legend. The set design by Brendan O'Neill and Eddie Kiernan is ingenious. Combining light, shade, projections and deftly moved sections of set they guide the audience through the town of Bomont dictating the pace in tandem with the performers.

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The lighting plan and sound design for the show was inspired, with a particular knack for establishing mood, a notable moment brought a train roaring through the auditorium. Anyone around in the 1980s will appreciate the attention to details in the costumes.

The final verdict on St Mel's Musical Society's 2023 production is that Footloose was a sure fire hit.