Footloose

Review

Footloose the musical toured the UK before opening at the Novello Theatre (formerly The Strand) in London's West End on Thursday 6th April 2006.

Although still currently playing in London, Stephen bowed out on 20th May 2006 to take a much needed break after two years of continuos work (the role is now being played by David Essex).

The show is based around a true story which took place in Elmore City, Oklahoma in 1980. It tells the tale of city boy Ren, who moves with his

mother to a small town called Bomont, where he finds dancing in public is banned. He leads a fight against the town and the church to allow public dancing to go ahead.

Stephen played the part of The Rev Shaw Moore, and Cheryl Baker played Vi Moore (his wife) but other than this the cast were relatively unknown. This was a high energy show packed with songs and dances to keep the audience on their feet.

Stephen sang several songs - in Act 1 he sang 'On Any Sunday' ( with the company), 'Heaven Help Me' (solo) and 'I'm Free/Heaven Help Me' (with Ren and the company). Act 2 saw him singing 'Can You Find It In Your Heart' (solo) before he joined the whole company for the Finale 'Footloose' at which point the whole audience were up on their feet, dancing and singing along.

Stephen was superb as the Reverend, still grieving over the death of his son, alienating his wife and daughter in the process and yet still trying to do what he felt was right for the community.

A superb, fun show to brighten up anyone's day - and even a bit of fancy footwork from Stephen during the Finale!

Reviewed by Michelle Harris

The Cast

Rev Shaw Moore..................................Stephen McGann

Vi Moore.........................................................Cheryl Baker

Ren McCormack...........................................Derek Hough

Ariel Moore..............................................Amy Pemberton

Chuck Cranston.....................................Johnny Shentall

Willard Hewitt........................................Giovanni Spano

Rusty.....................................................Stevie Tate-Bauer

Urleen..................................................Natasha McDonald

Wendy Jo..........................................................Lisa Gorgin

Lyle.........................................................Ian Gareth-Jones

Travis/Cowboy Bob........................................Gavin Alex

Ethel McCormack.................................Caroline Deverill

Principal Clark......................................Martin Johnston

Company - Chris Adams, Fem Belling, Ivan de Freitas, Bob Harms, Debbie Jenkins, Jane McMurtrie, Grant Murphy, Graham Newell, Sarah O'Gleby, Natalie Somerville and Ruthie Stephens

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