By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
Flashdance – The Musical debuted at the Dallas Summer Musicals on Tuesday night, providing an interesting retelling of a familiar story. The show featured touchstone moments from the popular 1983 movie as well as new storylines and songs. While there were many solid performances, Matthew Hydzik as Nick stood out.
As with the movie, dancing is at the core of the story, however the storyline itself is actually more intriguing on stage. However, in fairness to the movie – I’d give the edge to the flick for dancing. The stage production’s dancing was fine but very little that actually made your spirits soar.
Jillian Mueller stars as Alex, a female welder by day, dancer by night. Life has had its ups and downs but dancing is what she desperately wants to do. She works at night at a club with three other ladies, They take pride in the fact their place is more respectable than the strip club which forces dancers to offer extra services in the backroom down the block.
In 1983, it was a little more surprising to see a female construction worker than perhaps today, not that women dominant the industry by any means. However, it remains an important storyline to the stage production because it introduces the audience to Hydzik who is trying to desperately to be one of the guys. But that is a challenge when your grandfather owns the company and you are merely sent to the office to do the board of directors bidding.
Hydzik has a presence onstage and a nice voice to match. When he is performing you want the scene to go on as he brings a level of authenticity missing from others in the production. Too often I sensed Mueller was thinking about her next dance steps or lines, I never believed in her performance at the same level as Hydzik.
Flashdance – The Musical is a great choice for date night. The women will swoon over Hydzik’s romantic caring side. Boyfriends and husbands will enjoy the dancing. OK really they will enjoy the women dancing in their underwear, but if it means ladies can enjoy a lovely night at the theater, I suggest you pretend not to notice why they try to suggest it is the best play they have seen in years.
See Flashdance – The Musical at the Music Hall at Fair Park until July 7. Couples can escape the heat during the 4th of July week with tickets ranging in price from $15 – $85 at The Box Office, 5959 Preston Royal Shopping Center, online at www.ticketmaster.com, and at all Ticketmaster locations.
