High energy dancing explodes off the stage in Northampton Community College Summer Theatres satisfying season opener "Footloose the Musical" through June 12 at the Bethlehem Township college campus.
The capable cast give it their all in this lively and entertaining musical that leaves the familiar tunes running through audiences heads.
Chase Fontenot is appealing and engaging as Ren, the high school student who moves to a small town that has banned dancing in the wake of a local tragedy. Fontenot is an outstanding dancer and really shines when leading the talented cast in big production numbers like the title tune.
Emma Flynn is a feisty and headstrong Ariel Moore, the local ministers defiant daughter.
She is memorable on songs like "Holding Out for a Hero" and "Almost Paradise" on which she duets with Fontenot.
Jarrod Yuskauskas makes Rev. Shaw Moore, the pastor who is driving the dancing ban, conflicted and even ultimately sympathetic, and is in fine voice on "Heaven Help Me" and "Can You Find It In Your Heart'"
As Ariels best friend Rusty, Juanita Shockley-Grey is adorably gawky when trying to talk to her crush and knocks it out of the park with a powerhouse rendition of "Lets Hear It For the Boy."
Harrison Sakai is charming as the backward Willard and has one of the high points of the show with the number "Mama Says (You Cant Back Down)" complete with playful choreography by Tina Williams and first-rate harmonies by Michael Mottram , Nathan Angelo and Maxwell Wetherhold.
Beth Marquardt is dependable and caring as Rens supporttive mom and Nancy Barry offers a touch of reason as the ministers perceptive wife.
Marquardt and Barry, along with Flynn, are particularly poignant in "Learning to be Silent."
Madeline Gambon and Charlie Leonard have some fun and memorable moments as Urleen and Wendy Jo, who along with Shockley-Grey as Rusty, make up Ariels loyal posse. The women are great on the disquieting "Somebodys Eyes," as well as offering spot-on harmonies on "Holding Out for a Hero" and other numbers.
Noah Detar has a believable turn as Ariels controlling boyfriend Chuck and gives an edge to his performance of "The Girl Gets Around," backed by Jadon Lopez and Daniel Hurt as his buddies.
Brett Oliveiras two-story set works well and places the six-person band led by musical director Lucille Kincaid, right in the middle of the action to good effect.
Bill Mutimer displays a deft hand in directing the musical, keeping the energy high and the cast constantly in motion.
The theater program is partnering with Kindness is Magic, Inc., a local organization that takes donations of new and gently-used shoes and converts them to cash that is contributed to the Bethlehem Area School District to offset its lunch program debt. Those attending the shows are encouraged to bring a donation and place in the designated bins at the theater.
Masks are optional.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Jun 2-4 and 8-11; and 2 p.m. June 5 and 12 in the Lipkin Theatre.
Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors and $10 for children.
For information, go to ncctix.org.