Footloose – OST

Posted by Administrator in Hollywood OST, Musicals on 01 18th, 2009 | no responses

Footloose the Musical opened at Broadway‘s Richard Rodgers Theatre on October 22, 1998 and ran for 709 performances until July 2, 2000. It was directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography by A.C. Ciulla.Footloose received an at-best mixed critical reception though it was reasonably successful. General consensus was that the show was in and of itself poor, but the music and talented cast made it entertaining. Footloose has developed a following since its original release. It apparently has been one of the most frequently performed school musicals in recent years, at least in the United States. It was nominated for several Tony Awards.

Plot

Ren, Ariel, Willard, and Rusty are in a town miles from Bomont where there is a big dance hall, complete with a country band (“Still Rockin’”). Rusty repeatedly attempts to dance with Willard, but he weasels his way out, dragging Ren off to the bar to get drinks. There, he explains to Ren that he doesn’t know how to dance. Rusty overhears them, and so do several cowboys, who begin to mock Willard. Rusty comes to his defense, saying that he might not be perfect, but she loves him anyway (“Let’s Hear it for the Boy”). During Rusty’s song, Ren tries to teach Willard to dance, who after much initial stumbling and apprehension whips off an amazing dance combination, much to Rusty’s surprise.When Ren brings Ariel home, Shaw is extremely angry with her for seeing Ren. He almost hits her, but he stops himself and Ariel runs from the room. Vi talks to Shaw and tries to explain that he is too hard on her because of the way he feels about their son’s death and that she doesn’t mean to make him upset (“Can You Find it in Your Heart?”).

Meanwhile, Ren, Willard, and their friends are trying to find a way to present their idea to the town council. Ren is extremely discouraged and considers forgetting the whole idea. Willard gives Ren some advice that his mother told him and explains that he can’t give up (“Mama Says”). Just as Ren’s confidence has built up, Ariel shows up with a black eye and tells Ren that Chuck beat her up. Willard and his friends go off to find Chuck, and Ren comforts Ariel. Ariel reveals the truth about her brother and gives Ren a Bible with various passages he can use for his motion. It is then they both realize they’ve fallen in love with each other (“Almost Paradise”).At the town council meeting, Ren stands up and explains to the council, including the principal, coach, and Reverend Moore, that dancing is written about in the Bible and should not be illegal. Ren is favorably supported, but the members don’t listen and the motion is dismissed.

After the meeting, Ren’s mother explains that Shaw had those votes locked no matter what, and she suggests for Ren to go talk to him. Ren goes to the pastor’s house on the suggestion of his mother and explains to Reverend Moore that he should not take his anguish about his son’s death out on the entire town. They argue, but when Ren points out that they’re both dealing with loss — Rev. Moore’s loss of his son, Ren’s loss of his father — they realize a common bond. Ren leaves, but, struck by Ren’s insight, Rev. Moore struggles with what to do (“Heaven Help Me” (Reprise)). At the next service, Shaw tells the whole congregation that he is going to allow the teenagers to hold a dance. They are overjoyed. Ren asks Ariel to the dance and Willard invites Rusty, telling her that he is even willing to dance with her. After the crowd leaves, Vi and Shaw are left alone, where Shaw tells Vi how much he loves her and how he has made many mistakes in the past (“Can You Find It In Your Heart?” (Reprise)). The Reverend, his wife, and even the townsfolk attend a huge dance(“Footloose”/Finale).