Luke Wilson stars as Ren in a new production of Footloose, based on the hit 1980s film, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Directed by the New Wolsey Theatre’s Chief Executive/Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul (Made in Dagenham (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and New Wolsey Theatre), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole The Musical (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), Footloose will première at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 31 May until 26 September and then transfer to the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich from 3-26 October.
Footloose first burst into life in the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon and was one of that year’s most successful motion pictures. The film’s soundtrack reached Number 1 on the Billboard charts and went on to sell over 17 million copies worldwide, generating hits including its title song and Let’s Hear It for the Boy (both of which received Academy Award nominations), plus Almost Paradise, Holding Out for A Hero by Bonnie Tyler, and I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man).
Footloose  opened on Broadway on October 22, 1998. The next day, the show broke the box office record for the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where it continued to thrill audiences until July 2000. The production was nominated for four Tony Awards.
You’re starring in the new production of Footloose, what can you tell us about the show?
This production will be a retelling with a cast of actor musicians which will add a different flair to the show in terms of how the story is told. It will also potentially bring a live music night energy to great piece of musical theatre.
A concert has an energy, seeing musicians play live has an energy, and music theatre has an energy, this will be a blend of all these forms.
It’s 40 years since the film was released, why do you think the story has remained so popular?
I think the show has remained popular because of how iconic the music and film are, the story is part of our mass consciousness, moreover the piece deals with universal themes of censorship, conservatism, religion, the law, the role of women, grief and change. Good stories stand the test of time because they link/discuss their historical context and universal timeless themes.
You’re playing Ren, what do you love most about the character?
I love many of Ren’s qualities. He is fearless and determined to fight for what is right irrespective of the obstacles placed before him. He is witty, intelligent and observant. But my favourite quality about him is more subtle, Ren has an awareness beyond his age and arguably his socialization. With Ariel he chooses to build an emotionally intimate connection, prior to a physical one. I respect the writer for choosing to portray a young man in this way.
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you with the role?
I think the biggest challenge for me in the role will be race. Ren’s race isn’t specified in the text but due to the original casting of the film it is likely Ren is seen as a white person in the collective consciousness. I hope the audience can connect with the story telling and not pull themselves out of the narrative due to this choice in casting. But we will see, I’m optimistic.
Tell us a little about the music that audiences can expect to hear?
Expect to hear iconic 80s songs such as “Let’s Hear it for the Boys” and “I Need a Hero“. if something isn’t broken don’t fix it, just do it well.
You’ll be performing at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and New Wolsey Theatre, what are you looking forward to about taking the show to these two venues?
I’m really excited to play Pitlochry as it parallels elements of the piece in terms of being set in a small town. I’ve never played here and I’m excited to meet the community. New Wolsey is in one of my favourite places in the UK and I cannot wait to go back, I’m honestly so excited. So, in all meeting a new community and going back to a second home.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Footloose?
Absolutely book to come for nostalgia of the 80s, expect to see something old and something new. I believe this company has something great to bring to this story and it’s a real gift to share this piece in this time
Luke Wilson is also appearing at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Sense and Sensibility and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
