Producer: Riverlea Theatre
Director: Noelle Savill
Band Director: Katie Wigmore
Vocal Director: Lili Taylor
Choreographer: Stephanie Balsom
Riverlea Theatre, 23 November-14 December 2024
Flashdance is based on the 1983 movie of the same name and is about teen Alex who is a welder in a Pittsburgh steel mill during the day, and a “flashdancer” at a club at night. Alex dreams of attending the Shipley Dance Academy and the musical follows her challenges, friendships, and relationship as she works towards the big audition.
The lead role of Alex is being shared by Lily Burgess-Munro and Olivia Turner. Burgess-Munro stepped up to the mark and delivered a flawless and energetic performance as Alex. Utterly captivating, Burgess-Munro was immediately likeable and relatable. Turner was able to showcase her extensive dance talents in her ensemble role for the preview night.
The Riverlea foyer was buzzing at intermission, everyone was asking who was “the new guy” playing Nick Hurley? Most recently, Andy Derby actually played the saxophone for three local productions. Derby has the acting chops, a stunning voice and excellent stage presence. If Derby’s musical ability is as half as good as his leading man qualities, I can see future directors and musical directors battling it out for him.
Hannah Doherty (Gloria), Kyra-Mae Wilson (Kiki), and Alex Lloyd-Lewis (Tess) made a wonderful trio. Across the stage, the entire Flashdance cast worked hard and were enthusiastic and passionate. One particularly memorable scene (in a show of many) was “Justice” with the male cast.
Bearing in mind that it was a preview night, there were a few scene changes that should speed up as the season progresses. Hannah’s apartment could have been left in situ minimising the crew work. The hazer was working overtime which may have been a technical glitch but that was eventually resolved.
Award-winning Lili Taylor’s vocal direction was outstanding, and the harmonies were stunning. Stephanie Balsom drew from the film but also added her own flare to the choreography and produced a troupe that were tight and well-rehearsed. At this point, I just want to say welcome to musical theatre, Zion Jones.
Katie Wigmore had the band cranking. Flashdance has plenty of well-known songs including “What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” and “I Love Rock N Roll,” and Wigmore kept the tempo up. Connolly and Singh’s grungy guitar effects were perfection, and the overall band mix was terrific. The band are talented enough to riff some underscoring, and that would be an ideal way to fill the quieter moments during scene changes.
Flashdance is Noelle Savill’s directorial debut. It was a great choice as it allowed her to honour her American upbringing and ballet training. Savill provided a fresh perspective for theatre in Hamilton while keeping the essence of this much-loved classic.
Tickets are selling like hotcakes. Head out to Riverlea for a toe-tapping musical that will surprise and delight, whether or not you were around for the drop of the original movie.
What a feeling!
Photos: @stace.waikatophotographer
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