Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals just in time for the holidays, get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose with Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of Footloose -The Musical in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts through Sunday, January 1. One of the most explosive movie musicals of all time bursts onto the live stage inviting audiences to revel in this throwback to teen romance, angst and, of course, the desire to dance! Rock out to the rhythm of the Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score elevated with dynamic new songs for the stage musical. Footloose – The Musical celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people and guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
The performance schedule includes holiday performances on Sunday December 25 at 6:30pm, Saturday, December 31 at 1pm, and Sunday, January 1 at 1pm. Tickets are $49-$65 and can be purchased at Browardcenter.org.
After the rave reviews came in, I thought it would be a good idea to sit down with Kyle Southern who plays the lead role of Ren McCormack.
At what age did you begin performing?
I started performing when I was about 9 years old. I saw a local community theater show and I turned to my mom and said, “I want to do that,” and she said, “we will see.” A year later when I was still persistent, she signed me up for acting and then dance lessons, and the rest is history.
What was your first professional gig?
My first paid gig was “Singing in the Rain” when I was 16 years old, and I played the Gene Kelley role, so I had to learn to tap dance for it.
When did you know performing would be your career?
I think it was probably when I saw a touring production of “Jersey Boys” and I was getting ready to go to college. At that point, I just saw myself doing this forever.
Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?
I got to do the national tour of “Escape to Margaritaville,” which is a wild crazy show. I got to play the Jimmy Buffet role, and it was an amazing role. I got to do Les Miz twice playing Marius and in college I did a production of “Hair.” Ok, I can’t just pick one.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but want to)?
I have two: Tony in West Side story and Jack in Newsies.
Is it intimidating or is there extra pressure being in such an iconic role that Kevin Bacon made famous in the movies?
Absolutely, there is the standard of Kevin Bacon, and everyone knows the movie and the role. However, when I got this job, I decided I cant compete with Kevin Bacon, so I looked at it as if it was a brand new role and tried to find out who the character was at a core level. Afterwards I looked at what Kevin did and came up with a way to play the character that I feel really good about.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Ambitious, stubborn, and passionate.
What do you do for fun?
When I am not performing, I love almost anything outdoors including hiking and surfing. I also write music, so I love being on the piano or guitar.
What should our readers expect from this production of “Footloose”?
Its similar to the movie and gives you everything you loved from the movie, but it also gives an in depth look into the story and the forgiveness. There is also lots of dancing and acrobatics.
For more information on Kyle, go to: Instagram.com/kylecsouthern
