'Flashdance' is not often performed these days; perhaps, like many other musicals, it has temporarily fallen out of fashion. It's not an easy musical to produce either, especially for an amateur company on a tight budget. None of this however, seemed to faze The Zodiac, a Musical Theatre troupe from Runcorn performing for the first time at Hartford's delightful Grange Theatre. And with covid stopping play for the company twice already, it is a small miracle that the show ever saw the light of day at all!
Thankfully it did, and the company did the musical and its writers' proud.
The Grange Theatre space was used creatively and thoughtfully. A large circular dancing area had been made on the floor space that is normally auditorium seating, whilst a band pit had been created between this and the actual stage, which had been built on two levels giving the cast an unusually large and dynamic area upon which to act, sing, and dance. Although the set was static, it was "bland" enough to pass for almost any location and with the help of a screen in the centre and high up on the back of the stage, each location (sometimes several in just one scene) was signalled to the audience quickly and efficiently.
The story of Flashdance is taken directly from the 1980's film of the same name. [think Footloose, Dirty Dancing etc]. Here it is a female steel worker who is an exotic dancer by night, dreaming big of dancing classical ballet and joining an exclusive dancing school. She falls in love with the boss's son, and although things don't exactly go swimmingly with this shopfloor / white collar relationship, this is theatre and so of course everything works out fine in the end. The subplot concerns another of the exotic dancers and her boyfriend, a would-be stand-up comedian and son of the dance bar owner. This subplot is usally given more comedy (from Jimmy), and pathos (from Gloria), than it was here, but that's a minor consideration.
Perhaps another reason why the musical isn't often performed, is that the lead role of Alex is a little like the Hamlet of Musicals; she seems to be never off the stage, and has many solos as both a singer and dancer. A leading lady who is capable of such a tour-de-force is required, and happily one was found here as Kayleigh Ann Strong gave a very intelligent and powerful performance of Alex Owens, taking us on her journey with her.
What I enjoyed most from this production I think, was the fact that it was such a joyous and uplifting occasion. It was obvious and palpable that each cast member was totally committed to their role, whilst working excellently as part of an ensemble, and having an absolute blast in the so-doing. All the cast were very good and congenial, and it would be perhaps wrong to single any out over and above others; although I did enjoy Grace Dougall's portrayal of Kiki, and Valarie Ball's Hannah very much.
The music (and pit vocalists) sounded superb this evening too, and the sound levels were just right. Occasionally there was a slight problem with the dialogue from the cast being either muffled or too quiet, but again, this is a minor issue which can easily be rectified. The lighting design was, in the main, excellent. The only problem with this was that when principals (or chorus) were at the very front of the floor circle they were totally unlit, and sadly, this meant that Strong spent much of her song in this space in the second act in total darkness.
I have never seen a show by The Zodiac before, but I am already looking forward to whatever their next production may be. With iconic dance numbers such as 'I Like Rock And Roll', 'Maniac', 'My Turn', and of course the theme 'What A Feeling', this was a most enjoyable and proficient evening's entertainment.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 3.2.22
on - 3.2.22
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