How to go
What: U.S. national tour of “Flashdance – The Musical” premieres in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center
When: Continues through Nov. 10. Show times are: Tuesday–Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Where: Procter & Gamble Hall – Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., downtown Cincinnati
Admission: Ticket prices start at $28 and are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown Cincinnati, 650 Walnut St., online at www.CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at (513) 621-ARTS. Group orders of 10 or more may be purchased by calling (513) 369-4363.
More info: www.CincinnatiArts.org. Also visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com and www.flashdancethemusical.com.
Please note: The show contains some mature content that may not be suitable for all audiences.
“Flashdance – The Musical,” a stage adaptation based on the 1983 hit film “Flashdance” will take center stage at Cincinnati’s Procter & Gamble Hall – Aronoff Center for the Arts as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati 2013-14 season.
The show will run through Sunday, Nov. 10.
Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (“Jersey Boys,” “Memphis,” “The Addams Family,”) the highly anticipated production features Cincinnati native and the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) graduate Shane Ohmer, who will fill the role of a ballet dancer and serve as part of the ensemble. He dances, sings and acts in the show.
“I love Cincinnati. It is like my homecoming to be performing at the Aronoff. I’m excited to be performing there,” said Shane Ohmer. “As a spectator, it is a world-class show. This is something that is really special and very well put together. The choreography is amazing.”
He said the story line is easy to follow and enjoyable to watch. Set in Pittsburgh, Penn., “Flashdance – The Musical” is a dance-themed production that tells the story of 18-year-old Alex Owens, a steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night, who dreams of becoming a professional performer. Against the odds, her hopes of attending the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy unfold throughout this awe-inspiring story.
The musical features many of the movie’s hit songs including the Academy Award-winning “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” and “I Love Rock & Roll,” along with 16 brand new songs, which were written for the stage production.
As one of six children growing up on the West side in Cincinnati, Ohmer said he plans to spend time with family, drive around the hills of Cincinnati and visit a few of his favorite places — Skyline Chili, Dewey’s Pizza and Graeter’s while he’s in town. His family also plans to attend the show.
“I can trace my experiences back to being in Cincinnati and all of them have prepared me for everything that I’ve done — at Covedale Elementary, Walnut Hills High School and SCPA. I didn’t know what I was getting into fully, and when I found out, I grabbed a hold of it and grew myself from there. I hit the ground running and I haven’t stopped since. I’ve experienced the world,” Ohmer said.
Along with his training at SCPA, he also participated in competitive dance, gymnastics and was a part of community dance team in Cincinnati. As a visionary, Ohmer said he has always expected to achieve big things and he has worked hard to accomplish his goals. In the future, he aspires to be an educator, and to create his own show or touring group.
Most recently, Ohmer has performed internationally as the lead in Rasta Thomas’ “Rock the Ballet” for two years, and he has danced with Les Grand Ballet Canadiens, River North Chicago Dance Company and Pacific Northwest Ballet. He has also served as a guest artist/teacher for numerous dance companies across the globe.
Other outstanding talent joining Cincinnati’s Ohmer include Jillian Mueller as Alex, Corey Mach as Nick, Alison Ewing as Tess, Ginna Claire Mason 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. as well as a company of others.
“Flashdance – The Musical” will also allow audiences an opportunity to celebrate the movie in light of its 30th anniversary this year.
About the Author