While Footloose is still kicking up its heels on Broadway, a touring version visited Milwaukee for a one-week run. It's easy to see why the show has taken a critical drubbing in New York; it has so many flaws it's almost cruel to name them all. A top-flight cast could have erased many of the show's weaker moments but, alas, this is a lopsided group. The "adults," mostly mothers and fathers of the high school kids who populate most of the show's cast, are polished professionals. They raise the standard of Footloose far beyond what the kids, mostly unseasoned newcomers, can manage. Footloose is based on the 1984 hit film, starring Kevin Bacon as a loner who brings life - and dancing -- to a small town that hasn't recovered from a tragic incident several years earlier. It would have been implausible to believe the show's premise 50 years ago (a town where dancing is outlawed -- imagine!), but now it's completely laughable.
Still, the show tries to squeeze a few of life's lessons between the rock tunes, which include the title song, "Almost Paradise" and "Holding Out for a Hero." The only song that works like gangbusters is "Let's Hear It for the Boy," which brings energy and focus to a show that needs less of the former and more of the latter. With so many songwriters involved, the score's tone varies wildly from one scene to the next. Also, for a show that owes its life to choreography, this one just can't cut it. As Ren, the Kevin Bacon character, Joe Machota sings well but can barely move, which doesn't bode well for the show's overall theme. Showing how it can be done is Ren's country sidekick, Willard (Christian Borle). Obviously a well trained dancer and actor, Borle brings humor, warmth and style to his role. Also noteworthy is Niki Scalera as the love interest. She's fresh, bouncy and appealing, and has the right blend of innocence and sexiness.
Footloose may fall short as a musical on national tour, but I suspect it will have a long shelf life as a high school production. It's probably time to replace Bye, Bye Birdie, anyway. Footloose may be a worthy successor.
