What a Feeling! Broadway’s Emily Padgett and Rachelle Rak Star in Flashdance the Musical

Legwarmers will be worn, water will splash, and dancers will dance like they have never danced before when the national tour of Flashdance The Musical hits the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The musical adaptation of the 80s cult film will open on March 7 and run through March 17.

Emily Padgett (Rock of Ages) stars as Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When she earns an audition to a prestigious dance academy, Alex must overcome her doubts about her lack of formal education and summon the courage to perform. Flashdance The Musical has been adapted for the stage by Tom Hedley, who penned the 1982 screenplay, and Robert Cary (Palm Beach). The musical’s score features songs made popular by the film, such as “Flashdance – What A Feeling,” “Maniac,” and “I Love Rock & Roll,” in addition to 10 original songs by Cary and Robbie Roth.

The cast for Flashdance The Musical includes Matthew Hydzik (West Side Story), Kelly Felthous (Grease), Daquina Moore (Little Shop of Horrors), Rachelle Rak (Fosse), Jo Ann Cunningham (The King and I), David R. Gordon, Matthew Henerson and Christian Whelan (Mamma Mia).

The film Flashdance opened to poor critical reception in 1982, but it quickly developed a large following and became a surprise box office hit. Jennifer Beals starred as Alex, the role that launched her career and some of the more questionable 80s fashion trends.