Footloose, the iconic 80s’ musical that includes not only the title song but also favourites Let’s Hear it for the Boy, Holding out for a Hero and Somebody’s Eyes, is coming to the Gaiety Theatre on 31st August and 1st September.
Following the acclaimed productions of Fame and Rent, Footloose will be the third production at the Gaiety this year by the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Arts Centre.
‘This is a show with a difference as it won’t just be members of the Youth Arts Centre, or even from the Island,’ said Fiona Helleur, Head of Youth Arts. ‘We are putting on Footloose in conjunction with 20 youth members from acclaimed Griese Players, a dedicated drama group from Kildare that has produced high-quality productions and events throughout Ireland for the past 11 years, participating in events such as NAYD productions, the Connections plays, Wyeth Human Rights summer festivals, radio productions, Youth Initiative projects, Comhairle na nOg, and the Youth Theatre Members’ Forum.
‘Every summer, the YAC offers young people the opportunity to put on a show in a very short space of time. Last year it was Rent in two weeks. This year it’s Footloose in three weeks as there is a lot more dancing,’ continued Fiona. ‘Auditions are on the 11th of August and rehearsals start on 13th August, culminating with the show at the Gaiety.’
The three weeks will include not only rehearsals but also visits to local landmarks so local cast members can show off the Island’s attractions to the Irish visitors.
Participants will have the opportunity to work with Chris Hatt, Music Director for Billy Elliott at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London.
‘This is a wonderful opportunity for both groups,’ said Fiona. ‘Griese have never taken part in a musical before and we have set them the challenge to take over ‘Still Rocking’, the opening act of the second half of the show. As a group we will have to learn line-dancing, 80s’ disco, choral singing, rap and of course the iconic Kevin Bacon ‘boingdy’ dance. We have an amazingly talented staff ready and waiting to pull everything together, with Alex ‘Rent’ Turner directing, assisted by Liam Moorhouse, Kat ‘Fame’ Ash as choreographer with Nicola Kermode, Beth Brown and music teacher Jenna ‘West Side Story’ Withey assisting Chris Hatt.'
Photo caption - Griese Players’ youth theatre members.
