Gestev to Present the First-Ever Quebec Adaptation of the Cult Classic in Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, Gatineau and Montreal
Quebec City, Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | The film that had the world dancing in 1983 is finally coming to the stage! In 2027, Gestev will present the first-ever Quebec adaptation of the cult classic FLASHDANCE. Dance and music will take centre stage, with the iconic hits synonymous with Flashdance, including “What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Manhunt,” “Gloria” and “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” performed in their original English versions. Beginning in summer 2027, multiple performances will be presented in Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, Gatineau and Montreal.
A pre-sale will be offered to subscribers of the Gestev+, Amphithéâtre Cogeco, Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy and Espace St-Denis newsletters on Thursday, October 22, at 10 a.m. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 23, at 10 a.m. at gestev.com, theatrecapitole.com, amphitheatrecogeco.com, theatreducasino.com and espacestdenis.com.
Please note that a dinner-and-show package is available at Théâtre Capitole for evening performances.
“The success of our major musical productions over the years, with hundreds of thousands of tickets sold to date, speaks to the quality of the shows we present. With Flashdance – The Musical, we are proud to build on that momentum and continue delivering large-scale productions that showcase our expertise and the talent of local artists while contributing to the vitality of our cultural industry,” said Martin Tremblay, President of Gestev.
A BOLD NEW VISION FOR FLASHDANCE
To bring this first Quebec production to life, Gestev has entrusted stage direction to Frédéric Bélanger, choreography to Yann Aspirot and vocal direction to Elise Cormier, who will reimagine Flashdance with a distinctive theatrical identity. Inspired by the aesthetics of the 1980s and Pittsburgh’s industrial character, the set design will evolve throughout the story through a blend of metal structures, projections and lighting effects. Dance will also take centre stage, with dynamic, athletic choreography combining modern jazz, ballet and breakdancing to capture the work’s electrifying energy.
A director, playwright, adaptor and performer, Frédéric Bélanger has been active on Quebec stages for more than 20 years. His directing credits include La Nuit des rois, which earned him the Gascon-Roux Award in 2023, Orgueil et Préjugés and, more recently, Quichotte. His career has also led him to explore musical theatre with Le Magicien d’Oz, as well as more multidisciplinary productions alongside Cirque Éloize, including Nezha and Hotel.
“Our intention is not to replicate the film, but to make Flashdance our own and create a unique theatrical language. What fascinates me about this work is, of course, its powerful aesthetic, which is almost like that of a music video, but above all, Alex’s journey: that of a young woman with a dream, who is determined to forge her own path and is unafraid to assert herself in pursuit of her goals. More than 40 years later, this story remains incredibly relevant. We want to capture all the energy and passion of Flashdance while creating something that truly belongs on the stage,” explained Frédéric Bélanger, stage director.
A PHENOMENON THAT TRANSCENDS GENERATIONS
Since its release in 1983, Flashdance has become a pop-culture phenomenon, ranking third at the North American box office with nearly US$93 million in revenue. Its celebrated soundtrack sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, while “Flashdance... What a Feeling,” performed by Irene Cara, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. First adapted for the stage in 2008, the production has since captivated audiences in numerous countries, including France, where a Paris production was followed by a tour of more than 40 cities in 2016.
FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL
Théâtre Capitole, Quebec City
July 3 to 10, 2027
Amphithéâtre Cogeco, Trois-Rivières
September 9 to 11, 2027
Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau
September 17 and 18, 2027
Théâtre St-Denis, Montreal
November 5 to 7, 2027
SYNOPSIS
Based on the cult classic released in 1983, Flashdance – The Musical tells the story of Alexandra “Alex” Owens, a young welder in Pittsburgh who divides her time between the steel mill where she works by day and the club where she dances by night. Behind this double life lies a dream: to attend the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and make dance far more than just a passion. As Alex strives to build the life she longs for, an unexpected love story disrupts her plans and ambitions. Facing social barriers, self-doubt and the obstacles standing in her way, Alex must find the courage to believe in herself and seize her chance. It is a story of love, friendship and self-determination, driven by a young woman who is determined to assert herself and pursue her ambitions to the fullest.
CREDITS
Book: Tom Hedley and Robert Cary
Music: Robbie Roth
Lyrics: Robert Cary and Robbie Roth
Stage direction: Frédéric Bélanger
Choreography: Yann Aspirot
Vocal direction: Elise Cormier
Based on the Paramount Pictures film screenplay written by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, from a story by Tom Hedley.
FLASHDANCE is presented by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036, www.theatricalrights.com.