6 reasons you MUST see Flashdance
Michelle Fong and Amelia Robinson, Staff Writers
What a feeling!
There are few things better than reliving your childhood.
We are both children of the ’80s and were more than delighted to take a trip back to that awesome, cool, totally rad decade with some help from the stage version of one of our favorite chick flicks: “Flashdance.”
“Flashdance the Musical” is on stage through Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Schuster Center in Dayton.
The musical is inspired by the 1983 film starring Jennifer Beals featuring the songs and dances you thought were totally tubular to the max!
Here are 6 reasons why you will love “Flashdance the Musical.”
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1. THE MESSAGE
Triumph over adversity. Never giving up on your dreams. Conquering your fears. Falling in love (and maybe staying in love). In “Flashdance,” Alex Owens is a brash steel worker/welder by day and smokin’ hot exotic dancer by night. She works hard for her money, and you better treat her right. Our girl Alex dreams of a better life on stage and in a real dance company. With a little help from her boo (who just happens to also be her boss, gasp), she gets her big chance. How do you think the story ends? Wink, wink. What a feeling!
(The famous chair scene from Flashdance, Flashdance The Musical's Facebook page) -
2. THE MUSIC
We’ve been humming the “Flashdance” tunes ever since our show ended Tuesday night.
The show manages to capture the spirits of both Joan Jett and ’80s Madonna.
Smash 1980 hits from the show include the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance — What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” and “I Love Rock ‘N’ Rol,” among others. Sixteen new songs have been added to the stage production.
A few of our favorite lyrics (to help you get inspired):
What a feeling, being’s believin’
I can have it all, now I’m dancing for my life
Take your passion and make it happen
Pictures come alive, now I’m dancing through my life
What a feeling
— Irene Cara — “What A Feeling”
Just a steel town girl on a Saturday night,
lookin’ for the fight of her life
In the real-time world no one sees her at all,
they all say she’s crazy
Locking rhythms to the beat of her heart,
changing woman into life
She has danced into the danger zone,
when a dancer becomes a dance
It can cut you like a knife, if the gift becomes the fire
On a wire between will and what will be
She’s a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
— Michael Sembello, “Maniac”
(80s Madonna, Madonna's Facebook page) -
3. THE DANCING
If you don’t want to get up and dance after hearing “Maniac” and “What A Feeling,” then there’s just something wrong with you.
The choreography in “Flashdance” is amazing and the energy level in this production is high from start to finish. You will never feel a lull in the action — largely because of the dancing. From Alex’s big audition scene to the “Maniac” dance and iconic chair dance scene, you’ll be tapping your toes in your seats or even clapping along. Some may even decide to start a “Flashdance” flash mob.
Also, expect so see some boomboxes, break dancing, pole dancing and more.
(Danielle Marie Gonzalez as Tess, Flashdance The Musical's Facebook page ) -
4. THE FASHION
Leg warmers, lacy hot pink neon tights, short acid-washed denim skirts with matching bedazzled jackets, off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, “Jazzercise” leotards, big, beautiful hair and bracelets, bracelets, everywhere bracelets.
The Adidas track suits alone are worth the price of admission.
(Photo: Dope 80s fashion, Flashdance The Musical's Facebook page) -
5. OHIO AND DAYTON CONNECTIONS
Hamilton native Randy Charleville plays the owner of a sleazy gentleman’s club in the traveling production. He studied at Wright State University before transferring to the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He performed in Hamilton, Dayton and Cincinnati before leaving the Buckeye State for New York. Brianna-Marie Bell, Kiki in the show, is from the Cleveland area. Her mother attended the show’s opening night at the Schuster.
Ensemble member Katherine Roart, a native of Pittsburgh native, has relatives — an aunt, uncle, and some cousins — in the Dayton area.
(Photo: Hamilton native Randy Charleville (insert) and the Cleveland area's Brianna-Marie Bell as Kiki, submitted and Flashdance The Musical's Facebook page) -
6. FUN EXTRAS
For starters, you can take beverages into the Schuster for this performance (rather than just imbibing in the lobby before the show and during intermission). A little wine makes the nostalgia trip even more rad.
You can learn the choreography yourself if you sign up for a class on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Metropolitan Arts Center Studio B. Bring your leg warmers, headbands and wristbands. If you’re daring, bust out the leo. Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or (888) 228-3630 or visit www.TicketCenterStage.com to register for the FLASHDANCE Adult Master Class.
Also, don’t miss a display in the lobby featuring some ’80s classics — from clothing, to Cabbage Patch dolls to the Flashdance selfie station complete with chair. Chair dance at your own risk …
