“Footloose: The Musical” is officially touring Australia, kicking off next month. Here’s everything you need to know.
After much anticipation, the ’80s phenomenon will premiere at Adelaide’s Her Majesty Theatre on April 11th, before seasons in major venues across Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle, and Perth. The tour follows a completely sold-out season in Melbourne. Further cities are due to be announced soon.
Based on the titular 1984 movie, the four-time Tony Award nominated musical became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions with its powerful story of youth, freedom, and the unifying power of music and dance.
An all-Australian cast will bring this high-energy production to the stage, with the incredible Gabriel Tiller (“Jersey Boys,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”) in the lead as Ren. Played by Kevin Bacon in the iconic film, Ren is the rebellious kid who tells the town of Bomont that it’s time to dance.
WAAPA alumni Brittany Morton (“Guys and Dolls,” “Love Actually: The Musical Parody”) will play the Reverend’s rebellious daughter and the romantic lead Ariel, while Stephen Hirst (“Pride and Prejudice,” “Little Shop of Horrors”) has been cast as the powerful Reverend Shaw Moore. Beloved stars of both TV and stage, Sophie Weiss and Rachael Beck will share the role of the Reverend’s wife and audience favourite, Vi Moore.
Green Room Award winner Maverick Newman (“Hair The Musical,” “Friends! The Musical Parody”) will return as the hilarious and heartwarming Willard, while the unstoppable Maddison Coleman will return as Rusty (“Guys and Dolls,” “Urinetown”).
A slew of triple threats round out the non-stop party musical with Brianna Bishop as Wendy Jo; Angela Brischetto as Urleen; Justin Gray as Chuck; Jordan Twigg as Ethel, and Tim Brown as Cowboy Rob. The stunning ensemble cast includes Elena Atanasovski, Lachlan Inwood, Georgia Oom, Conor Putland, Cristian Robba-Colley, Matilda Simmons, Alexander Tye, Madison Randl and Lachlan Greenland.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
Lyrics are by the Oscar and Golden Globe award winning writer of the movie, Dean Pitchford (with additional lyrics by Kenny Loggins). The book is also by Pitchford, alongside the Tony Award nominated Walter Bobbie. Prolific songwriter Tom Snow, who has written songs for superstars like Barbara Streisand, Dolly Parton and Olivia Newton John, wrote the music, with others.
Tickets are on sale now – see here for details.