MEMBERS of Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society will be hot-footing it across the stage when they stage popular musical Footloose this month.
The show is based on the 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned thanks to formidable church minister, the Reverend Shaw Moore. Before long there's a romance blossoming between the minister's rebellious daughter, Ariel, and Ren, to the fury of her abusive boyfriend Chuck Cranston. The show follows efforts by the town's young people, led by Ren, to overturn the ban on dance and music.
The film was adapted into a stage musical in 1998 and nominated for a number of Tony awards.
Matt Gardner takes on the role of Ren, while Harriet Chaplin is Ariel, David Kirk is the Rev Moore and David Carr is Chuck.
This is the second recent pairing of Matt and Harriet, who both played principal roles in GAOS's production of Crazy For You last year.
"Regrettably, this may be the talented duo’s last appearance together for some time as Matt is re-locating to London and is currently commuting here to continue rehearsing," said society spokesman John Waite. "Matt will be missed by GAOS as he's a very adaptable and talented performer."
Footloose features Eighties hits such as Holding Out For a Hero, Let’s Hear it For The Boy, Mama Says and the catchy title song
The principal actors are supported by an ensemble, with lively choreography by Ted Oxley Kirk and a score arranged and conducted by Catherine Sweet. The show is directed by Jay Cundall Walker.
In their photo-shoot, the cast pays tribute to the VW Beetle Kevin Bacon drove in the film. "I met the owner when filling up at a petrol station," says John. "I asked if we could use it and they agreed. They have a small collection of VWs. This one is a 1971 1200cc."
* Footloose runs at Guiseley Theatre from February 22 - 27 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm Ring (0113) 2506434 or 07502 349325.
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