Flashdance — The Musical, based on the 1983 film that tells the tale of a lady steelworker who dreams of legit dance while moonlighting as an exotic dancer, was launched Jan. 1 on a national tour in Pittsburgh, the city in which the story is set. The pop-filled musical ("What a Feeling," "Maniac") has been revised since its London stage premiere in 2010, and now includes new songs, a new book and new production elements. The cast includes
Emily Padgett as Alex,
Matthew Hydzik as Nick and
Rachelle Rak as Tess.
Sergio Trujillo (
Next to Normal, Memphis, The Addams Family) choreographs and directs. A separate troupe will open later this year on Broadway. Read more about the Pittsburgh launch
here.