Cherry Hill East Theater presented the vibrant musical “Footloose” for audiences with shows that ran Feb. 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., March 1 and 8 at 2 p.m., and March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. The musical was held in the auditorium, serving as one of the last events held in the space before renovations begin in April.
A major addition to the spring show this year is the incorporation of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation through East’s ASL club during the March 1 performance. This inclusion was a great way to make the show more accessible to audiences.
“Footloose” features leads Ren McCormack (Knight Loo (’27)) and Ariel Moore (Reagan Daddis (’26)). Both Loo and Daddis put on a laudable performance. The pair are brought together in a mutual understanding, as they relate their family struggles: Ren, with his absent father and single mother, Ethel McCormack (Fiona Houston (’27)), and Ariel, with her late brother and conservative parents, Reverend Shaw Moore (Justin Malec (’26)) and Vi Moore (Kristina Birbilis (’26)). Loo and Daddis effectively capture the couple’s growing connection in a subtle yet meaningful way throughout the musical.
The musical commences with a total of ten scenes in Act 1, each characteristically different from the others. “Footloose,” the first scene, kicks off on a lively note as the iconic dance is performed with energetic sync by the cast. The audience is introduced to Ren and Ethel’s move from Chicago to Bomont, a highly conservative town in Utah that Ren eventually discovers has banned dance.
A major emotional highlight in Act 1 was Birbilis, Daddis, and Houston’s depiction of “Learning to be Silent.” All three actresses put on a touching performance, conveying the feeling of a woman’s voice being suppressed.
“Somebody’s Eyes” made for a dynamic performance delivered primarily by Rusty (Shia Snyder (’26)), Wendy Jo (Karina Cowan (’26)), and Urleen (Isabella Myers (’26)). Moreover, “Heaven Help Me” was another highlight as Malec captured the audience’s attention through his solo. Malec gave a moving performance as he encapsulated Reverend Shaw’s internal struggle in upholding the strict rules in Bomont and grief following his son’s death.
“The execution of the singing is so good,” East Choral Director Ms. Heather Lockart said. “The kids are amazing.”
Lockart worked closely with the cast leading up to the musical, helping them understand the vocal aspects of each musical number. The students’ hard work paid off as their powerful singing voices were a major strength to the show.
After a brief intermission, Act 2 was presented. “Still Rockin’” was a lively performance, as the group of friends is finally able to escape rigid societal constraints. Moreover, the set in “Almost Paradise” was especially notable. The blue lighting, along with the moon in the back, enhanced the scene’s aesthetics as the leads sang together on the bridge. The finale wraps up the show on a positive and high-spirited note.
The details put into the musical are what make it unique. For example, Ren’s sense of being an outsider is communicated through the southern accents of the longtime residents of Bomont and his lack thereof. Moreover, the uniquely designed sets and bright costumes contributed to the nostalgic feeling that the musical evokes. Witty one-liners make for a humorous experience, while important emotional themes are simultaneously presented throughout the musical.
“I think this is one of the best musicals East has ever done,” said East alumnus Leah Hutchinson (‘25). “Overall, very happy to be here.”
All in all, the show was a major success. East Theater has constantly impressed audiences with its performances, and “Footloose” was no exception.
