Footloose
at Mater Dei High School

Reviewed on April 18, 2015

Claudia Mansoory
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Let's Hear it for Mater Dei's Footloose
written by Claudia Mansoory, a junior at Tesoro High School

Beams of light flash quickly along the edge of the curtain, each time revealing different pairs of feet. Each pair, whether tapping, sliding, or on pointe, expresses a different style of dance. This is the exciting visual which opens Mater Dei High School's lively, upbeat production of "Footloose": a story highlighting the unruly nature of repressed teens in their struggle to gain acceptance and express themselves.

Alex Hirota is oozing with boyish charm as Ren, the rebellious protagonist. Raising his voice and clenching his fists, he is clearly passionate about dancing as he stands tall delivering a speech in front of the town council. Whether dancing in the halls to bring forth the spirit of his classmates or carrying out wide, sweeping gestures of salutation, his skill in hip hop dance shines through his every movement.

Peter Seidner as the bumbling Willard contrasts Ren's confidence with slow and scant dialogue. His dull-wittedness is obvious when he holds up the wrong number of fingers to match the number he verbally notes. In "Let's Hear it for the Boy" he displays his determination as he attempts to learn to dance; he first stumbles around, snapping off beat, but eventually is able to execute steps on time with the music.

Emma Whitley plays Ariel, a disobedient girl longing for action who quickly changes from a modest pink dress to a bright red crop top and shorts as soon as her parents are out of sight. Winking and giggling, she flirtatiously attracts attention from boys all over; however, it is not until she meets Ren that she falls for a boy who respects her. In the heartfelt duet, "Almost Paradise," Hirota and Whitley passionately embrace, holding on to each other as a lyrical dance unfolds behind them.

Lexi Fort, Jackie Fancher, Talia Stewart, and Camille Hayward as Rusty, Urleen, Wendy, and Jo respectively, form a delightfully sassy ensemble as Ariel's friends. The four cock their eyebrows and point ominously across the stage in their fortuitous song "Somebody's Eyes".

Costume design by Priscilla Witherspoon makes the unique story highly relatable. Because the production has a modern setting, the current, fashionable styles add an element of realism to the show.

With exciting dance numbers and powerful vocals, Mater Dei High School cuts loose with "Footloose".

Madison Schwartz
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Cut loose at Mater Dei's "Footloose"
written by Madison Schwartz, a senior at Tesoro High School

With high energy, lovable characters, and captivating singing, Mater Dei High School's senior musical production of Footloose brings the classic movie to life onstage.

When a rebellious teenager moves to the small, country town of Bomont, he stirs up trouble by falling in love with the preacher's daughter, fighting for the right to dance, and leading the entire town into a new, happier era.

Alex Hirota is Ren McCormack, the rebel with a cause. He is not afraid to let his voice be heard in Bomont, constantly yelling in frustration or encouraging others to raise their voices. Challenging the town's ban on dancing, Hirota is defiant and demanding, striding around the stage to gain attention. In "I'm Free/Heaven Help Me," he convinces a crowd of Bomont's teenagers into putting on a dance, planting the seeds of rebellion. Throughout the show, Hirota flaunts his dancing background with hip hop and break dancing moves.

Ren catches the eye of Ariel, the flirtatious preacher's daughter, played by Emma Whitley. At first, Ariel is tough and aloof. She wears revealing clothing and dates the town's bad boy, Chuck Cranston, played by Matt Moore. However, as she falls in love, Whitley gradually softens and becomes sweet and loving. Her clear, strong voice yearns for a man who will treat her right in "Holding Out For a Hero", and eventually she finds that man in Ren.

Ariel's father is the strict Reverend Shaw Moore, played by Jack Santanello. Although he is stern in protecting the law and his daughter, he struggles with his decisions in "Heaven Help Me". His deep voice is frightening when scolding Ariel, but becomes tender while apologizing to his wife Vi, played by Annie Zirneklis, for being so cruel.

Ren's first friend in Bomont is Willard, a dull cowboy with a heart of gold, played by Peter Seidner. He helps Ren adjust to life in Bomont, teaching him valuable southern life lessons in "Mama Says". But when he wants to win the affection of Rusty, played by Lexi Fort, it's Ren's turn to help him learn to dance. Seidner evolves from a stiff, solid country boy to a fun-loving dancer.

Mater Dei High School's Footloose is a loud, energetic performance featuring the school's senior class that pays homage to the beloved movie while bringing new fun to the story.

Sierra Julander
Tesoro High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Cut Loose With Mater Dei's ‘Footloose'
written by Sierra Julander, a senior at Tesoro High School

Haze and light emit from a partially raised curtain as dynamic feet demonstrate different dance styles, beginning Mater Dei High School's spirited "Footloose."

Forced to move to the conservative town of Bomont, Ren McCormack is distraught to discover dancing is outlawed. As he struggles to fit in, Ren works to return dance and, subsequently, joy to his new home.

As Ren, Alex Hirota trots on stage, drawing focus with his resounding voice and sharp movements. He begins as a rebellious teenager, purposefully provoking the adults with hip-hop and curt speech. Articulately raising his voice and clenching his fists, he displays passion and determination. Later, head hung in humility, he learns to respect Bomont, developing softer intonation and movement.

Ariel, played by Emma Whitley, masters appearance of both innocence and rebellion. As her father walks offstage, Ariel abandons her interlocked hands and sweet smile for an expression of exasperation as she removes her skirt to reveal shorts. Among her peers her actions are fluid and improper, kissing boys and screaming at trains. Mirroring Ren's progression, she eventually softens her movement, discarding her arrogant rebellion for an acceptance of Bomont.

Peter Seidner, portraying Willard, serves as Ren's comic sidekick. Contrasting the relaxed movement of many of the teenage characters, Seidner maintains perfect posture. As the children in the gym are ordered to do pushups, Willard continues his flawless pushups long after the others have abandoned the task. He often holds up the wrong number of fingers while stating numbers, helping to frame him as a lovable, but not-so-bright mama's boy.

The ensemble of Ariel's friends, composed of Rusty (Lexi Fort), Urleen (Jackie Fancher), Wendy (Talia Stewart), and Jo (Camille Hayward), provides humorous narration. Introducing Bomont in "Somebody's Eyes," they supply exposition with ardent vocals and fierce dance moves. Fort commands attention with her roaring voice, conversely exhibiting timid body language in the presence of her crush, Willard. Stewart adopts a ditzy voice, periodically stepping forward to express her love of food.

Costumes, designed by Priscilla Witherspoon, bring Bomont to life through group identification and character development. Costumes show the modesty of Bomont's residents as well as aid Ariel's transition from rebellious, with revealing tops and shorts, to accepting, with less extravagant attire.

Mater Dei's cast of nearly 100 students provides a joyous performance of "Footloose," combining lively acting and meticulous tech to revitalize Bomont.