Flashdance the Musical

Musical

Writers: Thomas Hedley Jr. Robert Cary Robbie Roth

Overview

Show Information

Music
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Flashdance (1983)
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2012
Genres
Drama, Romance
Settings
Contemporary, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Pittsburgh, USA, 1983
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Small
Dancing
Heavy
Ideal for
College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female
Casting Notes

Includes young adult, adult, mature adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

Adapted from the 1983 movie of the same name, Flashdance the Musical tells the story of Alex, a 19 year old welder at a steel mill whose ambition is to obtain a place at the renowned Shipley Dance Academy. Alex dances at Harry’s Bar by night, performing her own original and innovative routines. However, she dreams of becoming a trained, professional dancer. But when she realizes the competition that she faces from accomplished, traditionally-trained dancers, Alex soon grows nervous. Can she summon her courage and wow the audition panel with her own, unique style?

Meanwhile, Alex has caught the eye of Nick Hurley, the nephew of the steel mill owner. Putting their prejudices about each other aside, they begin to date but Alex is unaware that Nick has bribed the Shipley audition panel to get Alex a callback. When she discovers the truth, and realizes that Nick is also being forced to lay off many of her friends from the steel mill, Alex decides to return to her small hometown and give up on her dreams and ambitions. However, before she leaves town, her elderly friend and confidant, Hannah, dies and leaves Alex money in her will to go towards tuition for Shipley. Alex decides to go through with the final audition and wows the panel with her passion and dance skills. Finally, Alex has made it on her own and she prepares to start a new semester at Shipley and a new life with Nick.

Lead Characters


Flashdance the Musical guide sections