Opening night, the house was packed and rocking as Footloose the Musical debuted at Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. And it’s tearing up the town now through February 2, 2025.
If you are a certain age, you are acquainted with Footloose, the 1984 classic movie starring Kevin Bacon. In 2011 there was a remake, but as artistic director Travis W. Walter told the audience, ‘We’re going to pretend that version doesn’t exist.’ Amen to that.
Footloose the Musical retains what you love about the original movie and presents it in a way that feels fresh and relevant over 40 years later. Director Tyrick Wiltez Jones attributes this to the story being universal and the characters relatable. And of course, it has all that exhilarating music and dancing!
Another reason this production of Footloose is fabulous is the powerhouse collaboration between two of the area’s greatest assets: MBT and Oakland University School of Theatre, Music and Dance (OUMTD). The results of their combined talent will sweep you off your feet. For years, I have said people shouldn’t sleep on the talent that flows out of the OUMTD and their participation in Footloose only strengthens that argument. Bravo to: Rileigh Bautel (Urleen), Isabeli Buendia (Wendy Jo), Wyatt Cleaveland (Garvin/Cowboy Bob’s Band), Faith Green (Cop), Yeshua Hardy (Jeter), Cali Eugene Hill (Ensemble), Alexander Hernadez (Bickle/Cowboy Bob’s Band), Naomi Jarvis (Swing), Caleb Korneisel (Ensemble), Deagan Krohn (Coach Roger Dunbar), Caroline Moulios (Ensemble), Alden Tewsley (Swing), and Calleigh Wilson (Ensemble).
You proudly represented your program and are now included in a prestigious part of professional theatre history!

With over 20 songs, the cast brought energy from the very first notes of the freedom anthem “Footloose,” and I could tell the audience was already locked in.
We first meet protagonist Ren McCormack (Caleb Bermejo) dancing and soaking up the culture in Chicago before he and his mom Ethel (Tauren Hagans) move to rural Bomont, Texas to live with their relatives LuLu (Stacy White) and Wes Warnicker (Richard Marlatt). I like how the aesthetics were updated from the ‘80s to the present day complete with smartphones and TikToks.
From the beginning, it is clear that Ren is an outsider, and members of the conservative community like Eleanor Dunbar (Jessica Boehmer) are constantly punishing him for being one. (“Somebody’s Eyes”). Most of the ire revolves around a two-year ban on dancing, which is hard for Ren to wrap his head around (“I Can’t Stand Still”). The ban is upheld by the staunch Reverend Shaw Moore (MBT favorite Ron Williams) who will do anything to keep his family and town safe. Especially his rebellious teenage daughter Ariel (Nadia Ra’Shaun) who is constantly testing the limits of independence (“The Girl Gets Around”) with her boyfriend Chuck (Cody Jenkins) and his buddies Lyle (Domanick Anton Hubbard) and Travis (Aaron Jackson).
Ren’s main ally is a cowboy hat-wearing local named Willard (Ethan Langan) Seeing Langan and Bermejo interact with each other is pure fun. Particularly during the songs “Mama Says (You Can’t Back Down)” and “Mama Says-Encore.” And it’s a hoot when Willard finally finds his rhythm during the “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” number. And if you know the movie, you know you can’t have Willard without Rusty (Laura Renee Mehl).
Mehl is a petite powder keg of talent with a solid set of pipes and stage presence. Thanks to her spunk and comedic performance, she delivers some of my favorite parts of the show. And while her solos are worth mentioning, so is any time she sings with Urleen (Rileigh Bautel, OU musical theatre major), and Wendy Jo (Isabeli Buendia, OU musical theatre major). Their combined vocals are fire!
The success of the Footloose storyline hinges largely on the chemistry between Ariel and Ren. Thankfully, Ra’Shaun and Bermejo are more than up to the task of bringing the heat. When they sang “Almost Paradise,” not only did I have chills, but I felt as if I was hearing the song for the first time. This is the power of live theatre.
There are two songs that I must mention. The first is the heart-wrenching song “Learning to be Silent” where Ariel, Ethel, and Vi Moore (Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin) talk about not being heard or being able to express their feelings or opinions and it resonated with me deeply. The second song is a soulful rendition of “Holding Out for a Hero” featuring Ariel, Rusty, Wendy Jo, and Urleen. Bonnie Tyler, who?
As the story progresses, Ren and Reverend Moore find out they have more in common than they realize. The Reverend is so blinded by his need for control and the pain of what he’s lost that he’s in danger of losing his wife and daughter. While Ren must deal with and let go of the pain he feels toward his absent father. As he tells the Reverend, “I can’t keep looking back and I can’t keep standing still.” In “Can You Find It In Your Heart – Reprise,” the Reverend realizes his mistakes and works with Ren to make things right, which segues into the phenomenal finale that had the audience on its feet.
Nothing about this production feels forced. From my perspective, every artistic element was so on point, that I had to keep reminding myself that it was opening night. Honestly, there are not enough adjectives to describe how amazing this cast is. Their talent is on another level.
Lately, so many movies are being made into stage musicals and while most of them get lost in translation from screen to stage, Footloose the Musical is the exception and exceeds expectations. It reminds us of the power of community, new beginnings, and standing up for what we believe in. Footloose will leave you uplifted and energized, so make time to experience its electricity firsthand.
This performance runs two hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Footloose is suggested for audience members in middle school and up.
The stage adaptation of Footloose is by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie and is based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford. Additional music is courtesy of chart-toppers Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman. Music is by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford.
Footloose is directed by Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Father of the Bride; Stick Fly). Alex Parrish is the musical director, with Kristen Brooks Sandler as choreographer. Scenic design by Kristen Gribbin, costume design by Karen Kangas-Preston, lighting design by Eric Van Tassell, and sound design by Kate Wecker. Brittanie Nichole Sicker is the stage manager, and Lee Cleaveland is the assistant stage manager.
In addition to leading the band, Alex Parrish plays keyboard with Alissa Hetzner as second keyboard. The band includes Ian McEwen (Reed) Paul Sikorsky or Gordon Krupsky (drums), Alex Sekorski (percussion), Andrew Toering (guitar 1), Brad Linden (guitar 2), and Greg Platter (bass).
Tickets range from $39 to $48 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.