If you dream of a career in the performing arts, and of being a mother, but wonder if it is possible to do both, beloved Australian actor, singer, and mother, Sophie Weiss, says “It is!”
Aptly, this Mother’s Day weekend, Ms Weiss will be doing just that when she reprises her role as Vi Moore in the Australian production of the hit musical Footloose: The Musical, opening at the Royal Theatre.
Family in tow!
Ms Weiss, who has been touring the production with husband Drew and their two children, Chloe (4) and Louis (2) since early April, says that she can’t overstate how lucky she feels to “…dip my toe in the water and still have that part of my life following my passion, whilst being with my family”.
Especially as part of such an iconic production.
“It’s actually a really, really special time,” she says.
“And we have a list of things planned to do in Canberra.”
Australians had not seen a production of Footloose for 20 years, until 2025, when the first season of this production played to sold out audiences and stellar reviews in Melbourne.
Ms Weiss says that Canberrans are in for another first-time experience though this year.
“We’ve kind of had time to reflect, remaster and make it even bigger and better than it was before,” she says.
Based on the titular 1984 movie, the four-time Tony Award nominated musical is a cultural phenomenon, which has captured the hearts of millions with its powerful story of youth, freedom, and the unifying power of music and dance.
The all-Australian cast bring this high-energy production to the stage, with Southeast Queensland’s Gabriel Tiller (Jersey Boys, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) in the lead as Ren, the rebellious kid who tells the town of Bomont that it’s time to dance.
WAAPA alumni Brittany Morton (Guys and Dolls, Love Actually: The Musical Parody) will play the Reverend’s rebellious daughter and the romantic lead Ariel, while Stephen Hirst (Pride and Prejudice, Little Shop of Horrors) is cast as thepowerful Reverend Shaw Moore.
A star of both TV and stage, Ms Weiss will play the role of the Reverend’s wife and audience favourite, Vi, before handing over to fellow seasoned actor and performer,
(and, you guessed it, mother!), Rachel Beck for the remainder of the season post Canberra.
It is also a role with additional meaning for Ms Weiss.
“I’ve enjoyed delving into more of my character’s story … that of overcoming loss and grief … and the challenges and rewards of parenting teenagers,” she says.
“Because that’s not something I have experienced.”
Ms Weiss can’t wait for Canberrans to immerse themselves in the show.
“So many people have a connection with Footloose, from seeing the movie or … just all those iconic high energy songs like, ‘Holding Out for a Hero’, ‘Let’s Hear It for the Boy,’ and of course, ‘Footloose!’,” she says.
“The responses we’ve been having from the audiences are wonderful.”
The end of the show also includes an invitation to the audience to get up and dance in their seats, with a “…big mega mix”, says Ms Weiss.
Footloose: The Musical is a celebration of community, connection, and the courage to make change.
It’s bold. It’s joyful. And it’s one of the most fun nights out you’ll have all year.
A genuine Mother’s Day Treat.
And are Chloe and Louis having fun?
It’s a resounding “Yes,” from Chloe!
Footloose: The Musical opens at the Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre, Canberra, 8-10 May.
Tickets are selling fast via footloosethemusical.com
