By Jessica Kennedy.
What a feeling! Flashdance opened at the Patchogue Theater this past weekend, and marks both New York’s regional premiere of the show, as well as an impressive end to an awesome summer season. Directed and choreographed by Keith Andrews, the show stars Julia Macchio as the beautiful and vivacious Alex Owens, as she “dances for her life” amongst a talented cast of performers who truly bring this 80’s classic to life.
Alexandra “Alex” Owens (Macchio) works for a steel mill by day, but lives to dance every night. She fulfills her passion by dancing at Harry’s Bar, a local spot where she does cabaret. She secretly pines to be accepted to Shipley Dance Academy, a prestigious school for accomplished and polished dancers. The juxtaposition of her and her pretty in pink counterparts is portrayed cleverly through the use of lighting and set to create a physical divide between Alex and her dreams (one the audience hopes she has the courage to break through). Although she has the support of her spunky friend Gloria, played by the captivating Amanda Tong, it isn’t until she is bolstered by the praise of her long time friend and mentor, Hannah (the charming and talented Diane Findlay), and the adulation of her love interest and boss, Nick Hurley (the charismatic Anthony Crouchelli), that she decides to take a leap of faith and audition. The story that follows is full of surprise and anguish- Alex is the classic underdog, and you can’t help but root for her.
Although there were a few sound issues right from the start of the show, the cast didn’t miss a beat and delivered a solid performance. Alex (Macchio) and Gloria (Tong) had a sincere connection on stage, and the relationship between Alex and Hannah (Findlay) was both humorous and tender. While the major players on stage were engaging and believable, it was some of the minor characters who really stood out and shined. Both Laquet Sharnell Pringle (Kiki) and Danielle Marie Gonzalez (Tess) owned the stage as friends of Alex at Harry’s Bar- both with solo performances which garnered enthusiastic attention and applause. Additionally, Ryan Williams made a terrifically terrible C.C. The ensemble, as well, wowed with incredible dance performances both during the show and even during scene changes!
Photo: Jeff Bellante.
Highlights of this show include the spot on costume design and exciting conclusion of Act I with Alex’s iconic chair dance and water finish! The addition of screens to enhance the set (scenic design by Brittany Loesch) adds both depth and vibrancy to each scene, especially the colorful dance numbers. The best part by far, however, is after the curtain call! Just when you think it’s over, prepare to be wowed! I won’t say any more- you’ll want to experience it for yourself.
Gateway’s performance of Flashdance is one you won’t want to miss. With its talented cast, lineup of awesome numbers, and tiny gems in the way of supporting cast and unexpected surprises, you will leave feeling like you have had a genuine 80’s experience!
One last note- while this show is full of fun and excitement, it does contain scenes which are mature in nature. Parents should be advised that there is sexual content and lyrics, so leave the little ones at home and come let the music “take hold of your heart” because “bein’s believin’”!