Taking a Stand to Dance (JCC CenterStage)
14 hours ago
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Footloose
Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Music by Tom Snow
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman
Directed by Erin Silliman
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
After a tragic accident kills a prolific reverend’s son, a town is forced to abstain from liquor, drugs, sinful acts like dance. All that changes when a kid from the city shows up. Without a doubt, Footloose is the quintessential jukebox musical, but the story about a boy who stands up for their rights and just wants to dance is relevant now more than ever. JCC CenterStage’s current offering is a spirited production full of momentum as it shows what it takes to stand up for what you believe in.
For a show all about the desire to dance, this one has a lot of it. The young cast moves and grooves from start to finish with grace and precision and always hold attention. The vocal quality suffers a little by a fallen sound cues a few times but that never pulls focus from Kenny Loggins’ score. (For all you youngsters out there, Mr. Loggins was the master of the movie soundtrack in the 1980’s. Don’t believe me? Search Top Gun on Spotify and thank me later. But I digress.) The cast as a whole embraces the infectious spirit of this score and succeeds with presenting authenticity to an already iconic collection of songs.
As the new kid in town, William Paxton’s Ren McCormack is a fish out of water adjusting to a new life with his mom. In this production, real life mother and son William and Alexis Paxton share an endearing on stage chemistry as they grow more accustom to a new life. Paxton’s performance as Ren is quirky and relatable as this David goes up against his Goliath in the form of Frank Goodloe’s unwavering Reverend Shaw Moore. Building community is an underlying theme in the show and Paxton’s performance of Ren is motivated by bringing people together with a heroic quality.
Ren finds himself at odds with nearly everyone in the small town, especially the church. As Reverend Shaw Moore, Frank Goodloe does well to channel old fashioned values with a touch of judgement as he leads with fear after tragedy hits his family. As the Reverend finds himself at a crossroads with his free spirited daughter, Ariel, Goodloe shows a tender change of heart with a reprise of “Heaven Help Me.” Olivia Haddox’s performance as the rebellious reverend’s daughter is finely paced. Armed in red boots and never afraid to speak her mind, Haddox is a standout with songs like “Holding Out for a Hero.” And how could I not mention the inevitable love story between Ariel and Ren. Paxton and Haddox share a lovely duet of “Almost Paradise” and if I am not mistaken some of my fellow audience members could not help but sing along by that point.
The cast is full of strong performances. Jackson Trowbridge is noteworthy as the brutish Willard. While his presence is intimidating at first, that diminishes as Willard discloses he does not know how to dance. With help from Ren and an infectious rendition of “Let’s hear it for the boy” from Rusty, a poppy and iridescent turn by Leilani Bracey, Trowbridge’s Willard comes out of his shell. Trowbridge brings a lot of personality and humor to second act’s “Mama Says (You Can’t Back Down)” as well.
In case you have not seen the classic 1984 film that made Kevin Bacon a star or the 2011 remake, the ending may seem predictable or albeit, cheesy. But a story about rising up and speaking your truth feels very prevalent these days. And as the kids in Footloose finally get to dance in the finale, the joyful energy is overwhelming and infectious.
Footloose
CenterStage at the Trager Family JCC
February 19-March 8, 2026
3600 Dutchman's Lane
Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 238-2729
