Gotta, gotta cut loose... Footloose.

7/9/2025

The Barrow-Civic Theatre is taking a step back in time to examine how the healing properties of a reaction should not dictate a future.

The musical "Footloose" examines how the healing process from a tragedy takes time. That the community actions, perhaps seen as necessary at the time, cannot be expected to live on forever. And a growing future generation should not be shackled by the past.

And it has catchy tunes that many of us might recognize from either our youth or from radio's insistence that these songs are now considered oldies.

How on earth can songs from the 80s be considered oldies?

Mixed in with numbers inspired by 80s pop hit is a message: squelching of young people's possibilities leads to a society that doesn't understand possibility and it's never too late to fix that.

And as stated prior, the has catchy tunes. So even if you don't want to expand your mind, you can at least tap a toe.

But why not do both?

This cast has a number of talented young people challenging the more experienced older actors, both in script and stage presence.

Aoife Salusky and Kyel Harry are a perfect Ariel and Ren, who take on a town and its incredibly deep pain, hoping to wash away the "sins" of an old tragedy. The young people see hope in the simple yet complex notion of cutting it loose on the dance floor.

And they set out to convince the town's elders of the same.

The rest of the cast includes Shawn Clerkin, a real life minister, playing a Rev. Shaw Moore who is in the midst of wondering if he should continue honoring the dead while suppressing the living or find a way to celebrate the lives of all.

His dedicated wife, Vi played by Dawn Sears, sees the longevity of living happily as perhaps a better path forward.

Chloe Preston, SJ Fox and Alex Webster are over the top wannabe's adding humor while also elevating the powers of their voice in song. And this is a strength in this musical - singing.

The young men, are well represented. Donald Dudinsky plays the lovable Willard Hewitt. Drew Martz has the unenviable task of playing a dumb monster type of controlling male, which sets up, in its stark contrast, the love story that develops between Ren and Ariel.

In the end, this take on an 80s cult classic movie has a message that is apropos today. All voices are worth listening to no matter the age.

You can listen and watch the show the weekend.

"Footloose" opens Friday July 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Show Dates: July 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and July 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.barrowtheatre.org.