Footloose the Musical opens Sept. 2 at the Meralco Theater

Footloose – the iconic, restless film made in the ‘80s has come to three-dimensional life onstage with even greater energetic fervor in Footloose the Musical, adapted for the stage by its original creator Dean Pitchford for its Broadway run, and will be staged in Manila by STAGES from Sept. 2- 25 at the Meralco Theater.

In the small, heartland town of Bomont, dancing, rock ‘n roll, and partying of any kind is prohibited by law. Imagine the effect this decree has on the town’s young people, who, though resigned to their mundane fate, are just hormonally-driven time bombs just waiting to explode.

It is to this town that city-bred Ren McCormack (played by ‘Prince of R&B’ Jay-R and alternate Jonard Yanzon) and his mother Ethel (played by Carla Martinez) move after Ren’s father took off.

Through two acts, the story takes the town on an eye-opening journey via such chart-topping hits from the ‘80s as “Almost Paradise”, “Holding Out For A Hero”, “Let’s Hear It For The Boy”, and the theme “Footloose” in the same way recent screen-to-stage productions of Fame and Saturday Night Fever the Musical turned their film versions’ classic soundtracks into viable theater libretti.

Unlike those musicals, however, the Footloose movie soundtrack—plus a few additional songs—is used to actually move the story along, as well as to provide the right atmosphere and allow its characters to “speak” from their hearts.

Another featured character of this production, perhaps, is the dancing. With infectious music that was made for far more than mere toe-tapping, Ren McCormack takes an entire town dancing and sets them footloose and free—both literally and figuratively.

Footloose the Musical’s young, energetic cast is a mix of talents coming from mainstream television, theatre and the recording scene including Jay-R, Myx VJ Iya Villania, Jonard Yanzon and Gian Magdangal of vocal group 17:28, ABS-CBN talents Nikki Valdez, Maoui David, Veejay Aragon and Daniel Cabrera, MTV VJ Hunt finalist Marvin Luna, Caissa Borromeo, Monica Reynoso, Kyla Rivera, Dara David, Pom Docena, Johann dela Fuente, Andrei Pamintuan, Felix Rivera, Sen Nichols, Kenjie Villacorte, and JC Gotinga.

Heading the list of seasoned veterans who will be lending top-notch support to the young cast are veteran actors Audie Gemora, Agot Isidro, Carla Martinez, Raul Montessa, John Mulhall, Jennie Nuyda, Mitch dela Peña, Raymund Concepcion, Robbie Guevarra and Ana Agabin.

Chari Arespacochaga directs the musical with James Laforteza and Rene Sagaran of the Manoeuvres as choreographers, IJ Garcia as musical director, Kalila Aguilos as stylist and costume designer, Mio Infante as scenographer, and Dong Calingacion as lights designer.

A second look at the original film version reveals Footloose’s core material to be rich in life and love, passion and sentiment, with a story and characters that lend themselves surprisingly well to this musical theater transformation. Exhilarating, and life-affirming—even after more than two decades, the result is something familiar, and yet ultimately fresh and unlike anything else anyone has experienced in the theater.

Among its many joys, Footloose has always had the power to make one realize what it means to be young again.

Footloose the Musical will run at the Meralco Theater on September 2, 3, 9, 10, 16,17, 23, 24 at 8 p.m. and on September 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 at 3 p.m. For tickets, contact Ticketworld at 891-9999 or at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 635-4478 or 631-7252.

Footloose the Musical is presented by Myx, in cooperation with Samsung, Studio 23, ABS-CBN, and Gold’s Gym. Major sponsors are Avon and Bench, while minor sponsors include Red Crab, Marina, Discovery Suites, Image 1 Multimedia Corp., Urban Spa, Chowking, Gloria Jeans Coffee, New Trends, Unisilver, Rustan’s, Teriyaki Boy, and Meralco. Media Partners are DZAS, 105.1 Crossover, Home Radio, Joey, Monster Radio RX, NU 107, RJFM 100, WRR, Philippine STAR, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Lifestyle Network, JobsDB.Com, Philippine Graphic and Mirror Magazines, INQ7.Net, YOU, 24/7 e-zine, Fudge Magazine and Pinoyexchange.com.

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