Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's "Footloose" is fun with a capital F. It's filled with 1980s power ballads, big hair and teen angst.
For the few people who have never seen the movie, a high school boy, Ren, and his mother move to the tiny town of Bomont, where dancing is illegal. Unfortunately, Ren just loves to dance, so this poses a problem and he's quickly labeled a "troublemaker."
The best parts of the show are the big '80s dance numbers. Erin P. West shines as the wild preacher's daughter, Ariel, especially in "Holding Out For a Hero." With the help of her girls she belts out the song with such gusto you can't help but love it.
The show was packed with great performance by the supporting cast. Eddie Curry's portrayal as a grieving, controlling preacher was a wonderful dramatic performance. Megan McKinney pulls double duty in her Beef & Boards' debut as both Ren's mom and a country singer. Amanda Lawson plays Ariel's cowboy-loving sidekick, Rusty, with the perfect blend of humor and sass.
Happy Mahaney is a complete scene-stealer as Williard. His redneck character is hot under the color and beyond hilarious. His "Mama Says" number, which isn't from the original soundtrack, was my favorites in the production.
The musical is meant to be fun and frivolous in many ways, but it has a few deeper lessons as well. The characters learn together that it's important to celebrate life and dancing is one great way to do that.
The show isn't meant for kids, so grab a sitter and enjoy a night of unadulterated '80s love.
Don't Miss the Show
Performances: The show runs until March 21. Doors open for evening performances at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The buffet is served from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For Wednesday matinees doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the buffet is served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The show begins at 1 p.m. For Sunday matinees doors open at 12 p.m. and the buffet is served from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The show begins at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: To purchase tickets call (317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $35 to $58 and include the show, tax, coffee, tea and the buffet.
Photos Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
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