Footloose

EVERYBODY CUT LOOSE!

The cult film from the 80s is coming to the German stage. In Footloose – The Musical, breathtaking dance numbers meet an Oscar-nominated soundtrack and a rousing story full of nostalgia. No foot remains still, feverish and sing-along is announced, if the rebellious teenager Ren with active support of the Bomont youth brings fresh wind into the stuffy small town. Cult hits like “Holding out for a hero”, “Almost Paradise”, “Let’s hear it for the boy” and, of course, the title song “Footloose” revive the exuberant attitude to life of the 80s.

Gripping story about rebellion and joie de vivre

A life without dance and music? Unimaginable for young Ren McCormack. But when his parents get divorced and he has to move with his mother to the conservative small town of Bomont, his life changes drastically, because rock music, alcohol and dancing are strictly forbidden in the Bible-believing community. However, Ren does not want to put up with this. He quickly has the youth of the small town on his side and tries to fight against prohibitions and narrow-mindedness – initially without success.

It doesn’t take long for the music-loving newcomer to get into conflict with the strict morals of the tone-setting Reverend Shaw Moore. Where rock music confuses the senses, drug and alcohol abuse are the devilish consequence – or so the reverend has been convinced since his son’s tragic accident. But the newly ignited passion of youth is not so easily curbed. When Ren finally falls in love with Moore’s rebellious daughter Ariel, of all people, the competition between the two worlds comes to a gripping climax.

The story is based on a true incident. Only in 1980, after almost a hundred years of strict prohibitions, were the students of the high school in Elmore City, Oklahoma, able to win the right to dance and host a ball.

80s cult on the musical stage

The film “Footloose” was released in 1984. Kevin Bacon danced against bourgeoisie and outdated moral concepts, which was the breakthrough for the young actor. In 1998, the musical version of Footloose celebrated its premiere on Broadway in New York, where it thrilled audiences in over 700 performances. Of course, the overwhelming response is no coincidence, because the play offers everything that fans appreciate and love about musicals: moving songs, energetic choreography and, of course, an exciting story.

In the German version, German dialog alternates with the well-known world hits in the original English. In 2024, Footloose – The Musical will go on tour and also make a stop in Munich. Everybody cut loose!

Fotos © Jeremy Daniel