A musical version of "Flashdance," the 1980s hit about a steel welder by day and dancer by night, is coming to Broadway.
The show will open in August 2013, its producers said Tuesday, but a theater, dates and casting of the key role, which made Jennifer Beals a movie star, has yet to be announced.
For those unfamiliar with Reagan-era diversions, "Flashdance" tells the story of a blue-collar girl whose dreams of becoming a big-time dancer hinge on her acceptance to a tony ballet school. The film version is perhaps best known for director Adrian Lynn's lush visuals and the Irene Cara title song, "Flashdance… What a Feeling."
The musical adaption of the film premiered in London in 2010 to middling reviews, but the producers said the show has been substantially rewritten and completely re-staged.
In a nod to the rust-belt setting of the musical, a separate tour of the show will break out the leg warmers on January 2013 at the Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh and will play more than 25 markets in North America.
The musical features a book by Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas), and Robert Cary. The show's music will feature the Cara song and other hits that made up the film's soundtrack, such as "I Love Rock & Roll" and "Maniac," in addition to 16 original songs. These new numbers will feature music by Robbie Roth with lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth.
Sergio Trujillo ("Jersey Boys") will direct and choreograph the production.
The revamped production will be produced by Steven Baruch, Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, Terri and Timothy Childs, Transamerica, Tom Hedley and Paramount Pictures.
