Flashdance Delays First West End Preview

The first preview of Flashdance the Musical, scheduled for September 24 at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre, has been canceled. Performances will now begin on September 25. Technical issues are being cited as the reason for the delay. Opening night of the show, directed by Nikolai Foster with choreography by Arlene Phillips, is still set for October 14.

The musical is based on the 1983 film of the same name that made Jennifer Beals famous and welding sexy. It tells the story of Alex, a Pittsburgh steel worker by day, exotic dancer by night, who dreams of attending the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, who counts Grease, Mamma Mia! and Fame among her West End credits, will star.

Flashdance the Musical will feature songs from the film soundtrack, including "Maniac," "Manhunt," "Gloria," "I Love Rock and Roll" and the Academy Award-winning title song, "Flashdance – What a Feeling," as well as original songs written by Robbie Roth and Robert Cary.