It used to be common knowledge that before a musical would open on Broadway, it would have to do time at a regional theatre in a city in upstate New York or in theatrically savvy places like Chicago or Philadelphia first. But Grand Rapids?
In the words of everyone’s favorite mama bear from Alaska, “You Betcha!”
When Flashdance arrives here on stage, it will be a part of an aggressive new change of pace with this new musical playing to 25 North American cities before its August 2013 opening on Broadway. Clearly, this is very different from how things have been in the past, and a rare opportunity for Grand Rapids, who is seldom a Pre-Broadway city outside of theatrical plays.
Flashdance: The Musical is based on the 1983 movie of the same name and follows the story of Alex Owens, a working class girl in Pittsburgh who is a welder by day and an exotic dancer at night, all the while harboring a dream of what would her life be like if she followed it to the classical ballet academy in her town. She also catches the eye of her boss, Nick Hurley, cuts her sweatshirt up, and dances like a maniac when the time is right.
When it opened over the big pond in London, it was not so warmly received. So, the producers sent the show in for a tune up and after a few months, it re-emerged fittingly in Pittsburgh in 2012 before heading to Grand Rapids and then to Broadway.
And while the musical will feature some obvious additions and characters you might not remember from the original -- like 16 brand new original songs -- you can rest assured that your favorite '80s fashions, classic choreography, and even tunes like the Oscar-winning “Flashdance... What a Feeling," “Maniac," “Gloria," “Manhunt,” and “I Love Rock 'n Roll” are all there.
It has been 30 years since the film was released. While you may not be able to do the moves like you used to back in the day of parachute pants and leg warmers, with the right amount of bass and pre-event lobby booze, it will be 1983 all over again.
Admission: $32 and up
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