Jeffrey Borak praises ‘Footloose’s “efficiency and integrity” in his review for The Berkshire Eagle
“Under Ledford’s direction, Prestage and Stevenson take their time developing the relationship between Ariel and Ren. The two have a beautifully crafted scene on an old bridge, late at night, that is as gentle and delicate as choreographer Bryan Knowlton’s dance numbers are big, bold and athletic.”
“Stevenson’s Ren has an unadorned, natural freshness and ingenuousness tempered somewhat by his upbringing in Chicago. He is amiable and sincere”
“As Ariel’s father, the silver-haired Dvorsky resists an easy choice to play the reverend as stock caricature. Rather, Dvorsky delivers a touching portrait of a man who, crippled by personal tragedy, is troubled by the ways in which he has gone off his path”
“Liz Gurland is just lovely as the reverend’s witty, loving wife, Vi”
“Jake Koch is a delight as Willard Hewitt”
““Footloose” clearly knows its audience. The show achieves what it needs to achieve with efficiency and integrity to the formula. To its credit, the Mac-Haydn’s “Footloose” offers formula with enrichment. Let’s hear it for the team.”
Romeo Barkley says ‘Footloose’ is “pure fun and joy” in the review for Trixie’s List
“Footloose is pure fun and joy! You can’t sit in your seat without tapping and bopping along. The high energy cast bursts across the theater’s stage from the very first musical note.”
“The music is easy to sing along to, but the dancing really zings.”
“The cast, music and choreography are so wonderful that you hope the show never ends! The joyful finale Footloose had people out of their seats and ready for a standing ovation!”
“Matthew Stevensen’s presence filled the stage…Stephanie Prestage’s Ariel transfixed the audience as she commanded the stage with utter professionalism and hit every dance move perfectly on cue.”
Bill Kellert calls ‘Footloose’ “exceptional” in his review for Nippertown
“The Mac-Haydn production has assembled its largest cast, over 30 performers, each of whom is better and more talented than the next.”
“At the helm of this mega production are three enormously talented Mac-Haydn vets: Director Erin Spears Ledford, Choreographer Bryan Knowlton, and Music Director Eric Shorey.”
“Ledford takes the cast through life’s emotional ups and downs in Bomont. She reigns in the drama and plays to the humor while always having her characters appear three-dimensional. Knowlton’s tight, complex choreography is exceptional.”
“Vocally, the show is stolen by Kassi McMillan with her rendition of the classic hit, Let’s Hear It For The Boy.”
“Dvorsky is always a pleasure to see on the Mac stage. His commanding presence and strong masterful voice offer a wonderful facade for this broken man.”
J. Peter Bergman praises the talent in ‘Footloose’ in his review for The Berkshire Edge
“Ariel Moore, played beautifully by Stephanie Prestage…”
“Rev. Shaw Moore is played with great style by George Dvorsky”
“Rusty, played by Kassi McMillan, one of three talented young women who serve as a sort of Greek Chorus in Act One”
“Mrs. Vi Moore is very nicely portrayed by Elizabeth Gurland whose Act Two song “Can You Find It in Your Heart?” is a highlight of the show.”
“The single set with large “pieces” designed by Erin Kiernan works well under the direction of Erin Spears Ledford.”
“The costumes designed by Bethany Marx give the show a timeless quality and look great.”