The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through October 16, 2013
Jillian Mueller |
Flashdance” the film is 30
years old, and nostalgia informs much of the stage version of that 80’s
touchstone. Even then, the story of a beautiful welder by day/exotic dancer by
night with big dreams, took a back seat to the kinetic visual and musical styles
of the day. Much dialogue, choreography, and costuming are in direct homage to
the film, which makes for a visually arresting show.
Without a doubt, the women
own the stage. Jillian Mueller, as steel worker/dancer Alex Owens is a delightful
triple-threat. She belts songs, dances with abandon, and quickly wins the
audience over with her delivery. Many of her numbers were capped by whoops of
delight from the audience and much of the show’s success rests solidly in that
connection.
Alison Ewing and Dequina
Moore back up (literally and figuratively) as Tess and Kiki, Alex’s seen it all
co-workers. Each is given sharp lines and knockout numbers to perform with “I
Love Rock and Roll” and “Manhunt.” Their curtain call prompted the audience to
leap to its feet.
As befitting a show so
firmly rooted in the video age of the 80’s, the scenery is created using
spectacular high definition video projections and sliding panels, creating a
dynamic and paradoxically organic canvas that is enthralling to watch.
The dance numbers range in
style from modern, to ballet to hip-hop, but each element seems separate from
the other. That said, there are some amazing, physical, passionate performers
on display.
Five Top-40 hits from the
soundtrack are included in the score but it is strange that none of these are
sung by the leads. Sixteen additional songs have been written, of which
“Steeltown Sky” and “Here and Now” work particularly well, but not all the new additions
are necessary.
Like its cinematic source, “Flashdance,
The Musical” is both visually and viscerally exciting. A jolt of electricity surges
through the crowd when Alex performs her famous “water dance” as it combines Mueller’s
boundless energy with superb stagecraft.