William Henry Harrison High School's FOOTLOOSE

Review by Jonathan Rubin, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team

From the spinning city of Chicago to the monotonous town of Bomont, William Henry Harrison's telling of the cult classic story, Footloose, was sure to get you to take off your Sunday shoes and shake you to the beat.

Footloose, originally inspired by the classic 1984 movie of the same name, tells the story of a bouncing big city kid who moves to a small, strict town where dancing is banned. From here, chaos ensues when he challenges societal restrictions and upends bland lifestyles in an attempt to get the town dancing again.

Marked by an enthusiastic cast and an innovative and creative crew, William Henry Harrison High School's performance of Footloose was immersive and captivating. Enthusiastic songs like "Let's Hear It for the Boy" and "Mama Says" highlighted this, with spectacular rhythm and uproarious laughter that brought a dynamic display to the entire story.

Matthew Rudolph did a spectacular job bringing life to the character of Ren McCormack. His vibrant tone enriched the story with spectacular dance moves and lively emotions. His lovable, rebellious character contrasted well with Kiersten Saxon's Ariel Moore. The dynamic duo delivered with sincere emotions, a heartfelt atmosphere, and a beautiful story that delivered on all accounts.

Conner Hannon delivered an uproarious take on Willard Hewitt with an all-around spectacular performance. His on-point comedic timing blended well with great emotions and a lovely voice. Though he may have started the show with two left feet, he surely ended it as a dancing fool! His arresting performance in "Mama Says " brought deservedly animated applause. Emerson Bunner delivered energetically as well in her picturesque performance as Rusty . Her lively take elevated the show and highlighted an amazing performance. Shay Uxer delivered wonderful vocals in her role as Vi Moore . Her stunning voice perfectly added to the story and elegantly delivered emotion to every song she sang in.

Spectacular technical elements were delivered to establish and support the ambiance of the entire show. Hair and makeup, headed by Natalie Brown and Chloe Doherty, brought an amazing, time-capturing feeling to the show. Their differentiation in households was nuanced, with a more tired and messy feeling for Ren's mother, Ethel McCormack, contrasting well with a clean, elegant look for Ariel's mother, Vi Moore. Additionally, hilarious but suitable mustaches highlighted a fitting cowboy look for the clubgoers outside of Bomont. Lighting, headed by Liv Carter, creatively added to the setting of the story with stunning stars during the bridge scenes and colorful changing lights that brought differentiation to each scene in a very '80s way.

William Henry Harrison High School's performance of Footloose brought a stunning performance that never failed to provide hope in perhaps its most beautiful form. For what is life without dance?

Review by Hannah Hodge, Taylor High School Critic Team

Ren McCormack can't stand still, and neither could the audience after William Henry Harrison Theater's kickin' performance of the hit musical, Footloose.

The musical is based on the 1984 film of the same name, directed by Herbert Ross. The musical adaptation of Footloose premiered in 1998 and tells the story of Ren McCormick, who moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont. Ren frequently attended the dance clubs in Chicago and is shocked when he finds out that dancing and rock 'n' roll are banned in Bomont. Ren tries to convince the Reverend Shaw Moore to change his mind and lift the ban.

William Henry Harrison's production of Footloose was a splendid rendition of the show. This performance of Footloose proves that "Dancing Is Not a Crime." With its fast-paced dancing and catchy music, Harrison's production of Footloose was quite the show to experience.

Matthew Rudolph played Ren McCormack flawlessly, emoting his pain through quirky sarcasm and dance. Matthew Rudolph was able to do very hard choreography while singing and executed it perfectly.

Alongside the leads stood an equally talented supporting cast. The troubled husband and wife, Rev. Shaw Moore and Vi Moore, played by Jacob Rudolph and Shay Uxer, excelled in the roles that they brought to life. The emotion that Uxer put into the role was jaw-dropping. In the song "Can You Find it in Your Heart?", Uxer had a beautiful and soft, yet powerful voice that left the audience weeping.

The marketing and publicity by Ashlyn Fuhrmann and crew did a remarkable job. From the photo shoots to the human cutouts of the characters, they were able to captivate the audience before they were even watching the show. The costumes by Emily Benight, Parker Lawhorn, and crew brought the essence of the 80s. The difference between the clothes in Chicago and the ones in Bomont really showed the contrast between bright-colored costumes and dull colors. It was a wonderful touch to show that Bomont hasn't caught up with the trendy bright clothes.

Overall, William Henry Harrison's Footloose was a dynamic and heartfelt production that showcased incredible talent both on and off the stage. It left the audience dancing in their seats and reminded everyone of the power of music, movement, and standing up for what you believe in.

Review by Molly Rebber, Clark Montessori High School Critic Team

Kicking off their Sunday shoes, Harrison High School brought back the '80s in their production of Footloose with dancing, scrunchies, and a powerful message about the importance of expression.

Footloose follows Ren McCormack in his move from the bustling city of Chicago to Bomont, a rural town in the middle of nowhere. Ren soon discovers that the reverend, Shaw Moore, and the town have a law against dancing. Ren joins forces with Ariel Moore, the rebellious daughter of the reverend, and her friends to teach the town the power of having fun and an open mind.

Harrison High School's Footloose was a time capsule, immersing the audience in a beautiful blend of 1980s rock and small-town charm with heartfelt acting, phenomenal singing, and dedicated crew members.

Buzzing with energy, Ren McCormack was expertly brought to stage by Matthew Rudolph. Rudolph was a true triple threat with strong vocals, developed acting, and acrobatic dancing. He showed range while staying true to the character's core beliefs, portraying the angst of a teenage troublemaker as well as his love for music and dance. Rudolph skillfully delivered impassioned speeches and impeccable choreography, using both to spread dance to Bomont.

Jacob Rudolph brilliantly countered Ren in his role as Reverend Shaw Moore. He embodied the fear and grief felt by the town, making the audience feel true empathy and understanding for the reverend despite his rigid beliefs. Shay Uxer added to these emotions in her portrayal of Vi Moore, Reverend Shaw Moore's wife. Uxer was able to convey the complicated nature of grieving the past and looking to the future. Her performance was assisted by her breathtaking vocals as she infused emotion into her songs.

The technical elements of the production acted as a time machine to the 1980s. The marketing and publicity, done by Ashlyn Fuhrmann and crew, enticed members of the community to attend the show and immersed them the second they arrived at the school. Silhouettes of the cast, as well as a poster for the show, were placed in a skybridge outside of the auditorium, informing drivers of both the show and the location. They also made a creative playbill, designing it as a yearbook with time-accurate coloring and photographs. Emily Benight, Parker Lawhorn, and the costume crew continued the 80s feeling with their attentive designs. The costuming perfectly captured each character and environment with a multitude of costume changes for every actor throughout the production. They were able to capture both the small-town looks with the hints of 80s influence that would have taken longer to reach such an isolated community. The costumes were also intentional in showcasing the ages of characters, creating a thoughtful environment that added to every actor's performance.

Altogether, Harrison High School created a delightful production of Footloose with impressive dancing, incredible singing, and a faithfully designed environment showcasing a captivating story about learning how to embrace change instead of fearing it.

Excerpts From Other Top Reviews

"Ren McCormack, played by Matthew Rudolph, showed comprehensive talent as the show's protagonist. His strong skill for dance was crucial for the role, as Ren is the one who brings dance back to Bomont. Rudolph's precise movements, both when dancing and when acting, showed his incredible ability to embody a character. Kiersten Saxon shone as Ariel Moore, the preacher's daughter who has always wanted something more than the righteous life her father pushes for. Saxon gave an extremely compelling performance and was able to convey Ariel's character arc through facial expressions and impressive vocals."

-Adah Mosher, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team

"With a tip of the hat and a goofy smile, Conner Hannon served as an amazing comedic pick-me-up playing Willard Hewitt. Hannon took over the stage with his jokes, facial expressions, and strategic placement, lighting up the room with even a simple joke. In his performance of 'Mama Says (You Can't Back Down),' Hannon provides wise and questionable advice through Willard and made the scene unforgettably charismatic. Accompanying him, Emerson Bunner's portrayal of Rusty made the character not only a transitional aid but an eye-catching focus on stage. Her performance of "Let's Hear It for the Boy" brought to light her mixture of acting and vocals beautifully."

Annabelle Schlotman, The Summit Country Day School Critic Team

"Bringing Footloose to life, lighting designer Liv Carter used a variety of techniques to differentiate the abundance of settings from one another and heighten the emotional tone of scenes with vivid use of color. As a common thread connecting the technical elements of the show, dynamic color theory was additionally employed by costume designers Emily Benight and Parker Lawhorn, focusing on the individuality of all the characters. With an avid dedication to the time period, which included using real pieces from the 1980s for additional authenticity, Benight and Lawhorn emphasized the difference between the conservative adults and the defiant teens of Bomont."

-Abbie Kershner, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team

"Conner Hannon's Willard Hewitt was simply hysterical. Hannon embodied this lovable and comedic character truthfully and gradually revealed more of his incredible range and talent throughout the show. Hannon stunned in act two with his endearing and rousing number 'Mama Says' and his rich vocals reminiscent of an old country star. Shay Uxer exuded experience and acute skill as Vi Moore. Her navigation of Vi's silent struggle and strained relationship with her husband was masterful and incredibly compelling. Uxer also exhibited professional-grade vocal control and an astounding vibrato."

-Caroline Lovelace, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team

"Marketing and Publicity, led by Ashlyn Fuhrmann, worked hard to create cohesive branding for their show. They made a full Bomont High School yearbook instead of a traditional program that immersed the audience in the setting. The yearbook featured photos from a photoshoot with the cast, further establishing the characters and their relationships."

-Thea Godel, Taylor High School Critic Team

"To create a lively and convincing atmosphere, every show needs its set of technical elements such as costumes, makeup, and lighting. The students of Harrison were able to utilize their creativity to magnificently execute these elements to capture the ambience of each scene. Vintage costumes by Emily Benight, Parker Lawhorn, and Gabby Gatherwright paired with colorful, popping hair and makeup by Natalie Brown, Chloe Doherty, Avery Hellmann, Kiersten Saxon, and Olivia Scalf transformed the students on stage into teens straight out of the eighties. Additionally, colorful lighting by Liv Carter, Madison McIntyre, and Henry Walker set the tone of the show and captured the unique mood of every scene."

-Logan Dunn, Saint Ursula Academy Critic Team

"Overall, William Henry Harrison High School's production of Footloose was an energetic, action-packed display of talent that didn't just pull guitar strings, but heartstrings as well."

-Zychik Rozhkov, Campbell County High School Critic Team