Footloose at Theatre At The Center

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...The show begins with a high-octane bang, but that's not enough to make up for problems with "Footloose," now playing at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Ind. Although the energetic cast delivers boundless energy and follows through on director Stacey Flaster's choreography, the musical doesn't offer audiences enough reason to kick up their heels."

Chicago Free Press - Somewhat Recommended

"...Kevin Bacon’s famous film works O.K. as a musical. Matt Raftery and Andrea Prestinario are a bit long in the tooth to play high school seniors and unlikely lovers but, as if they didn’t know they weren’t, they hoof it hard and fast. The choreography, by director Stacey Flaster, ranges from a Texas two-step jamboree to “High School Musical” precision. As the town’s reverend/ayatollah, Larry Adams humanizes the part as much as possible. Playing the comic-relief couple, Donica Lynn and Robert Deason deliver surefire laughs whose familiarity shouldn’t lead to contempt."

Edge - Somewhat Recommended

"...To give the production its due, it strikes exactly the right tone in the staging and execution of both versions of "Footloose" as well as more than pulling off "Holding Out for a Hero" and "Let’s Hear It for the Boy." For "Hero," Flaster wisely rushes through some awkward dialogue and launches into a sequin-spangled, smoke-machine-fueled fantasy sequence."

Chicago Stage Review - Recommended

"...Much of the fun in this production comes from Matt Raftery as Ren (Kevin Bacon in the movie). Raftery is beguilingly impish, with a winningly devilish smile, and just as much self-doubt as brash self-confidence. He is an athletic dancer with a strong voice, but the quieter, more serious moments of his acting are what really carry the role."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...The boys and girl dancers are the stars here. Led by Matt Raftery, the last finale number “Footloose” is tremendous—one of the most energetic and thrilling show ending numbers. The troupe sure did let loose…all in fun."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...Many Chicagoans take the short ride to Indiana to purchase things at a lower cost: cigarettes, gasoline, fireworks (which are unavailable in Illinois) and to save on taxes. There is another reason to head south on the highway and that is the Theatre at The Center located in Munster just 30 minutes from the Loop and their current production of "Footloose". This is the musical based on the 1984 film that starred Kevin Bacon, which was filled with some wonderful songs and great dancing."