Features

Flashdance – The Musical

March 7, 2013

FLASHDANCE, the pop culture phenomenon and runaway international success, is now live on stage! It all started with a dream; to be bigger, to burn brighter, to dance harder. Now is the time to live the dream all over again. Based on the movie that defined a generation, Flashdance – The Musical tells the unforgettable story of Alex, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder striving to make her dreams of becoming a professional dancer a reality. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), this new musical features a score of smash hits including the Academy Award-winning title track “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “I Love Rock & Roll,” along with 10 original songs. According to Hotspots owner Peter Clark “The music of the movie drives the story line, but there are lots of new songs that makes the story explode.” Experience the magic all over again. Flashdance – The Musical will leave you begging for more!

Broadway stars Emily Padgett and Matthew Hydzik will star as “Alex” and “Nick” in Flashdance – The Musical. Padgett and Hydzik will be joined on stage by the legendary Rachelle Rak in the role of “Tess”, Kelly Felthous as Gloria, DeQuina Moore as Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah, David R. Gordon as Jimmy, Matthew Henerson as Harry and Christian Whelan in the role of C.C.

Also joining the company are Holly Ann Butler, Claire Camp, Derek Carley, Ryan Carlson, Natalie Caruncho, Lynorris Evans, Thursday Farrar, Kamille Upshaw, Holly Laurent, Jakob Karr, Dan Kohler, Brandt Martinez, Nicholas McGough, Ariela Morgenstern, Rebecca Riker, Andrea Spiridonakos, and Lawrence Street.

When asked his thoughts about the musical Peter Clark said “The lead Singer, Emily WAS Irene Cara and due to her incredible performance I was able to flash back to the movie. All of the singers are brilliant and the harmonizing was seamless. Everyone was in incredible shape and their physical performances are amazing; they were athlete like. In addition, the choreography was exceptional.”

The day after the opening night performance, I was invited to a Press junket where 3 songs (“Just Out of Reach,” “Here and Now,” and “What A Feeling”) from the show were performed by the stars. Afterwards there was a meet and greet. Immediately, I could tell that the 5 leads had incredible chemistry. After talking with them, I figured out that the reason they have such chemistry is that they genuinely like each other and are truly friends. When I asked Emily about the difference between the movie and the show and her experience on the show she said “The show expands on the meat of the story between Alex and Nick. This show has made me dive into to the 80’s. I never thought I would play this role as I am a blonde and I am more a singer then a dancer, but I trained hard. It has been so much fun!”

Matthew was very familiar with the Flashdance story growing up as he said “I am from Pittsburg and Flashdance was the first film that highlighted Pittsburg; it put us on the map.”

When I asked the beautiful trio of girls how they danced these incredibly difficult numbers in high heels, Rachelle said “its years of practice in heels combined with the will to do it.” After being in show business for 25 years, Rachelle is ecstatic about being in Flashdance as she too is from Pittsburg. DeQuina went on to say “This show is so inspirational. Any underdog or anyone that doesn’t believe in themselves needs to see this show.”

Flashdance – The Musical will play through Sunday, March 17th at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00pm and Sunday March 10th at 7:30pm. Matinee performances are all Saturdays and Sundays and Wednesday, March 13th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $39.50 – $79.50 and are now on sale at the Broward Center Box Office Monday through Friday 10AM – 5PM, Saturday and Sunday 12 Noon – 5PM and 1 ½ hours prior to show times; or on-line at BrowardCenter.org; by phone 954-462-0222. Groups of 10+ are invited to call 954-626-7814 or 954-462- 0222