"FOOTLOOSE," Tuacahn, through Oct. 14 (435-652-3200 or 800-746-9882); running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes (one intermission)
IVINS, Washington County — Folks in Utah have long felt a connection to "Footloose," the 1984 Kevin Bacon movie, since much of it was filmed in Utah County.
It is no surprise that the crowd at Tuacahn, last weekend, was large and clearly there to have a good time.
Boasting Thayne Jasperson, Season 4 alumnus of "So You Think You Can Dance?" as Ren, as well as choreography (and direction) by Odyssesy Dance Theatre founder Derryl Yeager, the show is filled with hot moves, very nice moments and a super-energetic cast.
Watching Tuacahn's other show, "Annie," something didn't seem to gel. After seeing the maids and slum-folks of "Annie" put on their dancing shoes in "Footloose," it made sense. This cast wants to dance!
And with an ensemble of great dancers, it's a shame that there aren't more group numbers like "I'm Free/Heaven Help Me," "Still Rockin'" and the finale.
Jasperson is just about perfect as Ren — fabulous dance moves and a very nice singing voice, He's absolutely darling. His scenes are also really good as Ren navigates the quirks of the small town. Ariel, the romantic interest and preacher's daughter, is played by Kyli Rae, a sassy, smooth-voiced gal whose dancing is beautifully matched with Jasperson.
Laura Dickinson and Christian Whelan, who play Ariel's mother and her father, the reverend, do a wonderful job as the concerned parents.
Tuacahn's staging also makes good use of the space behind the stage, using motorcycles, horses and even tractors. But the star of the show is, by and large, Yeager's choreography and a cast that seems to love what they're doing.
Kudos also go out to Doug Ellis' sets, John Tittensor's costumes and Camille Rolla's musical direction — bringing the '80s pop soundtrack to life with a great live orchestra.
Tucahn keeps folks in their seats with entertainment during intermission. To help set the stage for the upcoming scene in a country/western dance hall, they bring out a mechanical bull — on which audience members can try for their eight seconds — and they also have line dancing. It was a fun way to set the mood.
"Footloose" isn't a groundbreaking piece of theater, but with the dance skills and energy of this cast, it certainly makes a hot St. George night a little bit hotter.
e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com