FREEZE FRAME: Meet the Company of FLASHDANCE- Full Cast Announced!

Full casting has been announced and rehearsals have begun for the upcoming national tour of FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation. Joining the previously announced Broadway stars Emily Padgett as Alex, Matthew Hydzik as Nick and Rachelle Rak as Tess are Kelly Felthous as Gloria, Dequina Moore as Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah, David R. Gordon as Jimmy, Matthew Henerson as Harry and Christian Whelan in the role of C.C. 

The cast met the press earlier today and you can check out a photo preview from the festivities below!

Also joining the company are Holly Ann Butler, Claire Camp, Derek Carley, Ryan Carlson, Natalie Caruncho, Lynorris Evans, Thursday Farrar, Charlene Hoffman, Holly Laurent, Jakob Karr, Dan Kohler, Brandt Martinez, Nicholas McGough, Ariela Morgenstern, Rebecca Riker, Andrea Spiridonakos, and Lawrence Street. As previously announced, FLASHDANCE will launch on January 1 at Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall with an official opening on Thursday, January 3 and continues on to more than 25 cities with additional bookings to be announced. In addition to the US national touring company, a Second Company of FLASHDANCE will be assembled on Broadway with performances beginning August 2013 for an open-ended engagement. 

With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream. 

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the original Paramount Pictures film was a worldwide smash hit that became a pop culture phenomenon, grossing over $150 million and featuring a Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world including the Academy Award-winning title song "Flashdance – What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," "I Love Rock & Roll." In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the stage. 

Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), FLASHDANCE features a book by Robert Cary and Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas) with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth. 

The production features scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, with projection design by Peter Nigrini and sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge. Hair & wig designs are by Charles LaPointe and make-up design by Cookie Jordan. The production also features music supervision and vocal and incidental arrangements by Jason Howland, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and dance arrangements by Jim Abbott. 

As a 14 year old youth, Walter was transfixed by his first Broadway Show, the original production of 'GREASE'. His Journey to celebrity photojournalism began that fateful night. Meeting, photographing and getting to know the cast inspired him to spend his professional life doing what he loved. Walter moved to Manhattan and for a leading role as a Photographer & Photo Researcher. Currently headlining in New Jersey with his partner Richard and family members Dali (Jack Russell) & Gala (Schnoodle). Recently he made his Broadway debut sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman in 'Hugh Jackman on Broadway' as well as receiving the Actors' Equity Association Gypsy Spirit Award. Walter McBride Photography is syndicated worldwide by Corbis/AP.

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