Holding out for the hero at Reddford House Northcliff

Footloose: The Musical took over Reddford House Northcliff’s stage for three nights and audiences couldn’t help but tap their feet throughout.

Production only had three months to put a show together which had a cast of Grades 5 – 12 learners. Its director, Danielle Fleuriot, said they had to find a show that not only could be together quite quickly but also allowed for the glorious display of all the young talented thespians. As the school does with most of their productions, they put together their own inspired take to the American original incorporating some South Africa themes, which made it colourful, vibrant and to some extent, relatable.

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Though Fleriuot has been a director for the past 10 years, this was her first time doing so within a school setting, “I was quite astounded by the level of talent at this school, the voices were absolutely incredible even from Grades 6s and 7s, this all really wowed me and the support the school gives to the arts from every point of view has been wonderful.” She was not the only one left beguiled by it all because as soon as the curtains opened to usher in the first scene, audiences were left with no other recourse than to be utterly assured they would be left gobsmacked through every song, dance and scene depicted on that stage.

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The packed stage of actors was reflection of production wanting to making sure that everyone who wanted to be part of the musical was included. There just different levels, with there being lead and second ensembles and so forth.

Fleuriot thinks it important for a school to have the arts as it helps with interpersonal skills, “I think there is a huge lack social/emotional development happening at the moment, and I think that acting allows learners to learn how to work with people who they may not like. Empathise with characters, find compassion for characters or for other learners who ae battling with characters or with the show.”

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