What a feeling! Yes, Aucklanders, now is the time to put on those leg warmers, boof that hair and make your eye shadow as colourful as possible because the 1980’s cult movie, Flashdance is here. In Auckland. Live.
I was thrilled to head along to the show last week at The Civic because, while I had vague memories of the actual plot, it was the music that I remembered the most.
Flashdance tells the story of Alex Owens, a rough and poor welder by day and dancer by night. Think almost strip club without the stripping…kinda seductive, leering men with women in skimpy clothes strutting their stuff for them. That said, there were plenty of kids in the audience and it was kept G Rated.
Alex, played by none other than Ralph Macchio’s (the original Karate Kid, people) daughter Julia, has big dreams—to attend the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Filled with dancers who have been attending classes since they were pretty much born, it all seems impossible
Meanwhile, the steel company she works at is losing money. Cue the arrival of Nick Hurley, played by Ryan Neal Green, who happens to be the the son of the owner and develops a crush on Alex. Rich boy chases poor girl, you get the idea. The sub plot centres round sustaining both the steel company and the night club and the people involved in both—Alex’s best friend has a particularly sad story about desperation for fame and money.
As an actress, dancer and singer, it’s Julia who has the energy and talent to hold the audience captive, and indeed, lead the entire show through some slower parts. Indeed, the two highlights of the show are her performance before the end of the first half (that water scene!) and the finale.
I won’t spoil the ending, because I’m sure you can’t guess what happens when boy meets girl and girl has dream, but the music—think Maniac, What A Feeling, Gloria and I Love Rock N Roll—will have you dancing in your seat only because it’s rude to stand up and do so.
Overall, it was a fun performance that the whole family will enjoy, so if you’re into the 80s, dance and/or musicals, hop to and get those tickets as it’s not here for long!
The Deets:
What: Flashdance The Musical
Where: The Civic
When: April 27th — May 1st
Tickets: You can get them here.
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