Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...So you won't come away from this "Footloose" with fresh insights into how to reach the beating heart of Red America and heal our national divisions. But as Griffin's spirited and good-hearted production shows, a little rebellion and redemption never hurt anyone."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...With his staging at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire of the 1983-set "Footloose the Musical," director Gary Griffin delivers a retro-rooted production that's easy to laugh at while also telling the timeless story of a precocious teen and the tragically puritanical town he transforms through the power of Kenny Loggins' songs (among others)."
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...Where "Footloose" largely works is with its big production numbers tied to hit songs from the film. Choreographer William Carlos Angulo has a rousing time with the game cast, especially in the country club number "Let's Hear It for the Boy." That's when Ariel's talkative friend Rusty (Monica Ramirez) cheers on laconic hayseed Willard Hewitt (Ben Barker) as he breaks free from his two left feet."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...The basic story (adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, based on Pitchford's original screenplay) remains—young man battles prominent stick-in-the-mud minister for the soul of the town and the heart of the minister's daughter—but that plot only provides a frame on which to hang the myriad rousing songs and dances that make up this show. Many of these tunes were hits in the 80s ("Let's Hear it for the Boy," "Holding out for a Hero") though the music director, Ryan T. Nelson, and Griffin's cast work hard to make these old songs sound new again. Aidan Wharton delivers an energetic performance in the lead role, evoking the spirit of Kevin Bacon's performance in the movie without slavishly copying his moves. Ben Barker is quite winning as Wharton's goofy sidekick."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Somewhat Recommended
"...Griffin's Footloose does have some flashes of fun when Willard learns to dance and some touching moments when Reverend Moore and Ren discuss their loss which ultimately leads to the reverend change of heart. The finale of dancing and singing was a nice touch; however, that type of energy should have been throughout the play."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Gary Griffin is a genius! Add the choreography of William Carlos Angulo and you have one terrific musical , "Footloose", based on the film that we all recall made Kevin Bacon a household word! I must say, that when the Broadway touring company came in with their tour, I was not impressed. The script is very close to what it was (written by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, and based on the screenplay by Pitchford), and the music is the same ( Tom Snow on music and lyrics by Pitchford except some pop tunes of the era), BUT the production now on the stage at Marriott Theatre is far above what we saw on a large stage, in a larger theater."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Don’t get the wrong impression: this isn’t a bad show. There are many entertaining moments to recommend it. However, with the exception of all the familiar, toe-tapping pop songs, that’ve been borrowed from the original film, and William Carlos Angulo’s high-octane, choreographed production numbers, that showcase the talents of this gifted cast, the play feels flat. Most of the book scenes don’t build very much. The characters, particularly the adults, are two-dimensional, despite Gary Griffin’s wise guidance and tight direction. But this musical is enjoyable and entrancing. The show’s still relevant because it illustrates that people still need to learn how to positively deal with change and to accept those around them who seem different. The Ren McCormicks of this world need to be respected and listened to, so Let’s Hear It For the Boy!"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"...If the Marriott management was seeking a vehicle to attract a young audience, there are better choices out there than "Footloose," with its out-of-date and hard-to-believe storyline and run of the mill score. The Marriott revival has the performing talent to do better with a better show. Still, the opening night crowd roared their approval. I wish I had seen the show they seemed to enjoy so much."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Excellent vocals and a fabulous dancing ensemble executing William Carlos Angulo’s exciting choreography are the overall takeaways from Marriott’s current production. But there are certainly numerous highlights."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended
"...As musical theater based on a comedic/drama film, the story-line is short on character development. But under the direction of Gary Griffin the characters' problems and personae should resonate with today's teens."
Chicago On Stage - Recommended
"...The bottom line is that Footloose, though it is a less than perfect vehicle, gets the audience on its feet with toe-tapping, hand-clapping 80s music and considerable character charm. It is never less than entertaining, and what else do you need?"
PicksInSix - Recommended
"...Griffin has assembled a top-flight ensemble of newcomers and veterans alike who shine throughout. But there is much more. Chiefly, distinct generations of Chicago talent converge when Miller, Kettenring and Godinez render the beautiful ballad “Learning to Be Silent.” It must also be noted, and delightful to see, that Chicago stage icons Nancy Voigts (mother of Ms. Godinez), Meghan Murphy, James Rank, Wydetta Carter and Shea Coffman are in the tuneful mix."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...Footloose is a musical about a town that rediscovers the need for dance and music, and Griffin and Angulo do not disappoint in bringing that theme to life on the stage."
