Julia Macchio to Star in FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL

Long Island native Julia Macchio stars in The Gateway's production of Flashdance - The Musical from August 31 through September 15 at Patchogue Theatre (previews begin August 29). Tickets are on sale now at TheGateway.org.

With electrifying dance at its core, Flashdance - The Musical is the unforgettable story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and "flashdancer" by night and her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When love walks into her life, she uses it to catapult her drive for success. Based on the Paramount Pictures film of the same name, the score includes the hit songs from the movie musical, 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," and "I Love Rock 'N' Roll." In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the stage with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Roth.

Fresh off the national tour of the show, Julia Macchio will star as Alex. "I am beyond excited and thrilled to be reprising the role of Alex Owens in The Gateway's production of Flashdance The Musical. This story holds such a special place in my heart and is for anybody with a dream. I love that the classic 80s style gives it the nostalgia that people crave but it also provides a timeless story of a person with big dreams of something more, which is never outdated. Being able to play a strong, determined woman on the same stage at Patchogue Theater where I used to perform as a competition dancer is unbelievably emotional and rewarding. I used to dream that I would be up there professionally someday and here I am about to return with the role of my dreams. Some of the first musicals that I ever saw were with my Grandmother at Gateway Playhouse when I was about 3 years old. I remember watching the performers and thinking 'I want to do that!' Flashdance is a story of fighting for your passion, no matter what obstacles may be presented along the way. In a way, it is my own story. I could not be more honored to showcase that in an amazing production on a stage that is my home. 'What a feelin!'"

Julia was born and raised in Suffolk County by parents. Her father is a Long Island native who is known to all as The Karate Kid. She went to high school in Huntington and graduated with a degree in dance from Hofstra University.

As for her father's influence, "dad was a great font of knowledge," the bubbly and vivacious Macchio says, "The family joke is that we just can't seem to get out of the 1980s. He gave his two-cents worth and he always does. My dad and I are so close, we're such great friends and we really support each other's work. Mom and dad, and my brother, saw the show multiple times when I was on the road [in the National Tour] and encouraged me to find the joy in every single performance." It was dad, Ralph, who encouraged her to take on the musical-theatre project, after her initial foray into film with 2012 Kristen Wiig, Annette Benning and Matti Dillon- Girl Most Likely.

Julia was a part of the Radio City Spring Spectacular Workshop which was directed by Warren Carlyle and Diane Paulus. She appeared in the films Girl Most Likely, Stella's Last Weekend, Wholly Broken, and Across Grace Alley for Netflix.

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.

It will be presented by The Gateway at Patchogue Theatre from August 31 until September 15 (previews begin August 29th. Tickets are available by phone by calling 631-286-1133 or at TheGateway.org.

Ticket prices range from $59-$89 per show with Previews starting at $49. Student discounts and group rates are available. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season, visit TheGateway.org, tickets on-line or through the box office at 631-286-1133.

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