This show cut loose right from the opening and
never let up until the intermission curtain. While the second act was somewhat more
introspective, the delightful songs kept the magic alive. The show ended with
the same intensity with which it began.
Frankly, (and disappointingly) it’s getting harder and harder to find great, large-scale
musicals being presented in ClarkCounty. CCT’s “Footloose”
is, therefore, a rare gem. Absolutely stunning!
I had not seen “Footloose”—either the film or stage
production—until now. I misunderstood it as a story of religion bashing, racy
dancing and wanton rebellion. (I wondered why a Christian theater company would
undertake such a production.) Boy, was I so wrong. This is a tale of hurt and
healing made through courage and change.
Getting Into the Swing
The ensemble of CCT's "Footloose."
Of course I knew it was a dance show so a high level of
expertise is required and expected. I didn’t hold out much hope, but again, I
was wrong. The choreography (by Chelsea Nicole) was top notch and the execution
stellar.
In fact everything about this show was fantastic! The sets
and set changes (coordinated by Mark Martin), the lighting (by Curtis Mueller),
the acting, the vocals, the band—absolutely everything—was near perfection.
Yes, this is indeed “must see” theater. The band (led by Jeff and Brooke Baker)
was spot on and did not overwhelm the vocalists. There were virtually no
wireless mic problems (yes, Virginia,
this is possible). The costumes were
good, but not much more than street clothes.
Claire Flatz and Larry Taylor have a tiff.
The set changes, however, were a model to all SW Washington theaters (watch and learn). The lighting
design (while decidedly “old school,” utilizing color scrollers rather than
newer LED RGB fixtures which offer a much larger color pallet and smoother
changes) was the best I have seen by a local production. The flexible set was
pretty cool and utilized extremely well.
Tapping Into Greatness
Every principle shined and the chorus ensemble nearly as
wonderful. And the direction by J. Scott Lapp? Oh, wow, wow, wow! (I truly wish
I could direct crowd scenes this well.)
As I said, every performance was great, but there were some
stunning standouts. In the acting department were Karl Johnson, Amy Michelle
Tyler and Kristi L. Foster—who was the cream of the crop. Additionally, her
vocals were the very best of the bunch. That is not to say the other leads were
not marvelous. Star Robert Head’s dancing was…well, words escape me.
Robert Head and Claire Flatz sing a duet.
There are many great songs in the show, but the most
striking numbers were the title song (of course), “Let’s Hear it for the Boys” (which
lacked some oomph from the band), “You
Can’t Back Down,” and the lovely duet “Almost Paradise” by Head and Claire Flatz, was moving.
However, to be clear, I liked every song and every delivery,
though some of the chorus numbers were a tad muddy (so lyrics could be missed).
The harmonies were tight and the vocal direction, by Kristi L. Foster,
beautifully styled.
All Jazzed Up
The script does offer up some mild profanity and the dancing
(occasional I wondered if God was honored by some of the gyrations), was
slightly racy at times, plus there is one comedic number that was a bit bawdy. There is some teen drinking and smoking. Still, the show has several important lessons to offer and is decidedly moral
in its message.
CCT’s “Footloose” gets my hands down vote for SW Washington’s best musical production of the year—maybe
of the decade. I laughed, I cried, I was blown away. Again, this is absolutely
a “must see” so cut loose and make room in your schedule.
The run continues 7 p.m., 17, 18; 3 p.m. Aug. 18 and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 201 39th St., Washougal, Wash. Admission is $15-18 adults, $12-15 seniors youth and groups. $10-13 Aug. 11. 360-750-8550. www.cytvanport.org
Christian Community Theatre presents the musical "Footloose," adapted for the stage, 7 p.m. August 10, 11, 17, 18; 3 p.m. Aug. 18 and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 201 39th St., Washougal, Wash. Admission is $15-18 adults, $12-15 seniors youth and groups. $10-13 Aug. 11. 360-750-8550. www.cytvanport.org
Vancouver's Christian Community Theater (the all-ages version of CYT) will hold auditions for their upcoming production of "Footloose" June 9 and 10.
Stage Adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE
Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by TOM SNOW Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD
Additional Music by ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS, and JIM STEINMAN
ARTISTIC TEAM:
J. Scott Lapp - Direction & Musical Staging
Chelsea Nicole - Choreography
Kristi L. Foster - Vocal Direction
Jeffrey & Brooke Baker - Band Direction
Audition times and location are by appointment. For extensive information and audition requirements see the CYT website or email b.larson@cytvanport.org.
AUDITIONS:
General Auditions (location TBA) are Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 by appointment only. Email b.larson@cytvanport.org to sign up for an audition time.
Seeking performers ages 14 and up. Seeking very strong, athletic dancers/singers to play high school students. Also seeking adults who are strong singers/actors to play various adult roles. Please prepare 32 bars of a pop or contemporary musical theater song that shows off vocal range and technical ability. We will not allow songs to be performed a cappella so please bring sheet music in your key or an instrumental CD (without background vocals). An accompanist will be provided.
If you are auditioning for a specific role, please be familiar with the songs from the show (Footloose - Original Broadway Cast), as you may be asked to sing a selection at auditions. Also, everyone auditioning for the teen roles should be prepared to dance. All auditioning MUST bring a current headshot and resume, stapled together. Auditions will be closed. For more information or to request an audition appointment, please email b.larson@cytvanport.org
If you are 13 and younger but wish to be considered for casting, please submit a current headshot and resume to b.larson@cytvanport.org by Friday, June 1st, 2012. Applicants in this age range will be seen by invitation only.
Callbacks are by invitation - Monday, June 11 and Wednesday June 13 6 - 10 p.m.
Invited Cast Read Thru will be Thursday, June 14.
Full Company rehearsals begin Saturday, June 16.
Mandatory Production Committee Meetings:
Saturday, June 16 10 a.m. - noon
Thursday, July 26 6 - 8 p.m.
The unique to CYT requirements: $50 fee per cast member. Each cast member (or family of cast members) must be represented by a volunteer to work on a Production. Committee and/or in a Crew role. Cast members may not serve in this capacity.
If you'd like to volunteer to work on a committee or crew, please email b.larson@cytvanport.org.
REHEARSALS:
First Church of God, 3300 NE 78th St., Vancouver
Thursdays, June 21 - August 2, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturdays, June 16 - July 28, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
DRESS WEEK: August 4 - 9 at Washburn Performing Arts Center
PERFORMANCES at Washburn Performing Arts Center:
Friday (Opening Night) August 10 7 p.m.
Saturday August 11 7 p.m.
Sunday August 12 2 p.m.
Friday August 17 7 p.m.
Saturday August 18 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday (Closing Matinee) August 19 2 p.m.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:
REN McCORMACK
Male. Lead. Triple threat. A young rebel always getting into trouble, but at heart he is an energetic young man who is dealing with the pain of his father’s absence. He expresses this pain through his quirky sarcasm and by dancing. (Tenor, Heavy dance) Any age to play high school
REVEREND SHAW MOORE
Male. Lead. Must sing well. The most powerful figure in Beaumont, stern, strict, a solemn man with a booming voice who runs the town with an iron fist. He also has a tender side and is struggling with the loss of his son. (Baritone, traditional musical theater) Any age to play 30 to 50
ARIEL MOORE
Female. Lead. Preacher’s daughter; The perfect girl, beautiful, perky, energetic, strong-willed, sharp-tongued and aware of her flirtatious power. Her father’s worst nightmare. (Soprano/Belt, Dance) Any age to play high school
VI MOORE
Female. Supporting. Strong willed Preacher’s wife who holds the moral fiber of Beaumont in her upright stance. Ultimately responsible for holding the family together after it’s terrible loss (Soprano, traditional musical theater) Any age to play 30 to 50
RUSTY
Female. Character role. Ariel’s friend. A bit of a ditz but knows everything about everybody (Belt, Comedic, Dance) Any age to play high school
WILLARD HEWITT
Male. Character role. Simple country bumpkin with a warm heart and a big crush. Befriends Ren and shows him the rules of living in Beaumont (Tenor, Comedic, Dance) Any age to play high school
ETHEL McCORMACK
Female. Ren’s mother. Strong willed, outspoken single parent who would do anything for her son (Traditional musical theater) Any age to play 30 to 50
CHUCK CRANSTON
Male. Character role. A motorcycle-riding, foul-mouthed, leather-wearing, trailer park product who takes one look at Ren and realizes there’s only room for one bad boy in town. He is dating the one girl that Ren has a crush on, Ariel (Tenor, Dance) Any age to play high school
URLEEN
Female. Ariel’s friend. The smart one of the group. (Belt, Great with harmonies, Comedic, Dance) Any age to play high school
WENDY JO
Female. Ariel’s friend. Doesn’t say much but sure knows a lot about Beaumont and the town rules (Belt, Great with harmonies, Comedic, Dance) Any age to play high school
LYLE, TRAVIS
Male. Chuck’s friends. Various vocal parts. Any age to play high school
BICKLE, GARVIN, JETER
Male. Willard’s country friends. Various vocal parts. Any age to play high school
ENSEMBLE
Male and Female. High school students and adults in various supporting roles. Must be able to sing and move well in a group. Various vocal parts. Any age. Possible roles include:
Lulu Warnicker - Ren's aunt
Wes Warnicker - her husband
Coach Roger Dunbar - the high school gym teacher
Eleanor Dunbar - his wife
A Cop
Betty Blast - the owner of The Burger Blast
Principal Harry Clark
Cowboy Bob - the lead vocalist at the Bar-B-Que
Cowboy Bob's Band
Townspeople and High School Students
STAGE MANAGER INQUIRIES
Those interested in being considered for the Stage Manager position, should submit a letter of interest along with a résumé to b.larson@cytvanport.org by Friday, May 25th, 2012. Applicants must be able to attend all rehearsals and performances as well as be available for administrative support during the audition process. Applicants should be administrative, organized, collaborative, and good communicators. Letters of Interest and résumés should reflect these skills.
