Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...The talented director-choreographer Sergio Trujillo ("Jersey Boys") is perfectly capable of providing some eroticized males in motion and, heck, he's got steelworkers to play with here. But although Matthew Hydzik, in the male romantic lead of Nick Hurley, is a fine singer, he's milquetoast in the department of sexuality and he really ought to dance. The ladies in the audience want a touch of the full monty, or something close. Anything with the title of "Flashdance - The Musical" is unlikely ever to be a critic's favorite, so it might at least deliver more sensual thrills to the bulk of the paying customers who will be dragging along their boyfriends and spouses."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The Brits have their history of shuttered coal mines and "Billy Elliot, The Musical." Here in the United States we have our downsized or abandoned steel mills and "Flashdance - The Musical." And if there is anything at all even remotely good to say about the class struggle and the impact of battered economies on the work force it is this: It can be the source of passionate storytelling, whether in the movies or on the Broadway stage."
Windy City Times - Recommended
"...Applause is also due co-adapters Tom Hedley and Robert Cary for improving on the former's 1983 fairy tale of an 18-year-old blue-collar Cinderella who toils as a welder during the day and go-go dances at night, catching the eye of her industrial workplace's owner, whose privileged connections facilitate her entry to a prestigious ballet school. In 2013, however, not only is Alex Owens past her teens, but her boss-now identified as the steel-mill founder's grandson-is well under 30, rendering their romantic attachment more plausible. The spunky lady also rebuffs her smitten employer's initial attentions with sufficient conviction to dispel any suspicions as to her intentions."
Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended
"...But in spite of an impressively talented cast, directed and choreographed by Tony-winner Sergio Trujillo, and led by Jillian Mueller’s excellent Alex, Matthew Hydzik’s terrific Nick and Kelly Felthous‘ lovable Gloria, the show tries more to simply duplicate the film than to create a heartfelt, original theatrical experience."
ShowBizChicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...there are several bright spots of this show, first and foremost the cast, which is lead by the no-nonsense Jillian Mueller who commands each scene that she is in and has the audience eating out of her hand. The direction and choreography by Sergio Trujillo are fantastically unique while at the same time keeping the spirit of the movie's iconic symbolism; while the set by Klara Zieglerova, lighting by Howell Binkley and projections by Peter Nigrini all come together nicely to give the feel of a urban steel community on the brink of collapse."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...By far the best moments in Flashdance -the Musical are in the many super-showstoppers dance numbers. The ensemble and the sheer energy to the toe-tapping score ignites the audience, especially the followers of the cult hit film from 1983. The audience cheered throughout. Lovers of the film will flock to the Palace Theatre to take in this dazzling dance show. I was underwhelmed by the show yet I can understand its appeal to lovers of pop rock modern dance. the production values here are first class and the dancing was precise and smart. So for a light weight summer treat, Flashdance - the Musical offers engaging moments."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Somewhat Recommended
"...Flashdance the movie was never an Oscar winner. It was a cult classic. Fans of the movie will enjoy this rendition as a timeless tribute. Costume Designer Paul Tazewell perfectly dresses it up just like we did in the 80s. In fact, one of his jean jacket, pink tights, black head scarf outfits looked like an ensemble I did wear. FLASHDANCE revisited is a fun, visual memory of the past."
Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...It is not very often that I will see a production that deserves more than one rating, but the stage adaptation of the hit film, "Flashdance" is probably a perfect example of going to the extreme. I found the adaptation not even close to the power of the film version- part of this comes from the additional songs ( making it a musical) instead of some of the dialogue. However, when it comes to some exciting dance numbers (Choreographer/Director Sergio Trulillo ) the ensemble members are terrific! And while the film version of "Flashdance" made Jennifer Beales a star, I truly found myself forgetting her as I was falling in love with the adorable and talented Jillian Mueller taking on the role of Alex- a steel worker who has one desire ( and dream) to become a dancer."
Huffington Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...And the dancers in this production, under Sergio Trujillo's direction and choreography, flex and leap with passion and fire. Ballet, funk, hip hop -- their range and stamina is impressive. It's also a refreshingly diverse cast -- not everyone has a perfect dancer body, showcasing that passion overcomes form."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"...Maybe the "Flashdance" producers should forget about revamping the show for Broadway and keep it as it now stands, touring the country. Claques at the large opening night audience at the Cadillac Palace Theatre squealed their enthusiasm throughout the evening. Many spectators obviously brought memories of the original film with them into the theater, giving appreciative shout outs to bits taken from the movie, like the water Alex dumps on herself at the climax of a club dance number that concludes the first act. Those viewers obviously were happy with all the ebullient dancing and singing and likely couldn't have cared less about the excessively cluttered storyline. They came to see Alex strut her stuff and to cheer songs like "Maniac," "What a Feeling," "Gloria" "Manhunt," and "I Love Rock 'N' Roll." So "Flashdance" may follow the lead of "Dirty Dancing," another stage adaptation of a 1980's video-style movie, not ready for Broadway but plenty acceptable to audiences in the rest of the country."
