Flashdance Musical Rips into Shaftesbury in Sep

As previously tipped (See The Goss, 25 Jan 2010), Flashdance – The Musical will receive its West End premiere at the Shaftesbury Theatre later this year, with an expected opening date of 27 September 2010.

The show, based on blockbuster eighties movie Flashdance, premiered at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in July 2008 prior to a national tour (See News, 8 Feb 2009). It features music by Robbie Roth, lyrics Robert Cary and book by Cary and Tom Hedley.

The iconic 1983 film of Flashdance starred Jennifer Beals as Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh welder and exotic dancer who dreams of winning a place at a prestigious dance school and becoming a professional ballet dancer. The score features the songs “Maniac” and “Flashdance… What a Feeling” (which won an Academy Award for Best Song) – it also launched a fashion frenzy for torn sweatshirts.

The touring cast was led by newcomer Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Alex, alongside Bruno Langley, Bernie Nolan and Hear’Say’s Noel Sullivan (See News, 21 May 2008). West End casting is still to be announced.

Produced by David Ian, Flashdance is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by musical theatre veteran and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.

It’s initially booking until 26 February 2011, with tickets on sale from 18 March 2010. Currently at the Shaftesbury, Hairspray closes on 28 March 2010 prior to its forthcoming national tour (See News, 27 Jan 2010).