Everyone should, kick off the Sunday shoes and head down to Pines Dinner Theatre for its latest production, 'Footloose', which runs through August 18th at 448 N. 17th St. Allentown.
The lively and large cast of 17, well directed by Oliver Blatt, relentlessly and delightfully pounds the stage, which is probably less wide than the 34 dancing feet that fill it.
A group of students from the small town of Bomont, including the son of the town council member the Rev. Shaw Moore, were killed in a car accident returning from a dance,
As a result, rather than issue an order that students take driver safety classes, the Rev. Moore decides to ban dancing from the town. Go figure.
This narrow mindedness is totally perplexing to the new town-folk Ethel McCormack, (Amber Kerestes) and her teenage son Ren, (Dylan Rex) after they are forced to move to Bomont from Chicago, for financial reasons.
Ren has the usual new-kid-on-the block problems, but works it out with most of his fellow teens, especially Willard, the big, goofy hickster, wonderfully played by Matthew Gurniak.
There may be no dancin, in this little town of Bomont, but there are girls!
And the one that Ren is most attracted to is, of course, the Rev.s daughter Ariel, played with sophistication by Payton Sherry.
So Ren decides hes going to get them all to "cut loose, footloose, and kick off the Sunday shoes."
Payton Sherry is spunky and delightful as Ariel, and she works well with Rex, their voices blending beautifully in "Almost Paradise."
The songs by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford are bouncy, fun, and for the most part, toe-tappin.
Kerestes, who doubles as choreographer, does a wonderful job of directing the dance movements in this production.
The musical accompanist and music director Stacy Bechtel is masterful in supporting the actors through their intense song and dance numbers.
Gwen Swanson Vigorito (Vi Moore) plays the very understanding and eternally patient wife of the Reverend convincingly.
Brittany Ellis, (Rusty) is vibrant, very animated and leads a great version of "Lets Hear it for the Boys!"
Jerry Brucker, as the Coach, is a delightful presence as he tries to maintain some calm without ruffling any feathers.
Grete Miller, Michael Pizolato, Seana Benz, Meg Stefanowicz, Peter Ryan, Tommy Walters and Jaedon Muhl, round out the more than able supporting cast.
An ample dinner of honey Dijon Chicken (other choices were Meatloaf, Penne Pasta Alfredo and Cheese Ravioli), tossed salad and warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, set the stage prior to the performance.
For ticket information, call or visit their website www.pinesdinnertheatre.com