'Flashdance' fitted for the stage.

• Author: Duckett, Richard
• Position: Living

Byline: Richard Duckett

"Flashdance -- The Musical''

When: 8 p.m. Feb. 13; 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 14; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15

Where: The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester

How much: $44-$74. (877) 571-7469; www.thehanovertheatre.org

Jacob Tischler has several good feelings about "Flashdance -- The Musical.''

The stage version of the 1983 movie has been a work in progress, but Tischler likes what he's been seeing. "I think they've done a great job,'' he said of the national touring production that comes to The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester for five performances beginning at 8 p.m. Feb. 13.

In the film, Alex is an 18--year--old welder in Pittsburgh by day and an exotic dancer at night with dreams of getting into the prestigious Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory, even though she has no formal training and education.

"Flashdance -- The Musical'' takes the basic story and hits from the film such as "Flashdance -- What a Feeling'' and "Maniac on the Floor'' along with 16 new numbers, lots of dancing on the stage, and fleshed out characters.

The musical has also given Tischler "a great opportunity to expand my artistry and expand the edges a bit.'' He has the role of Jimmy, whose story is one of the musical's interesting subplots.

This is Tischler's first national tour, so that's a good feeling as well for the actor who was born in Boston and grew up just outside of Burlington, Vermont.

The current touring production for "Flashdance -- The Musical'' opened Oct. 17 in Boise, Idaho. The cast and crew were in West Palm Beach, Florida, when Tischler was being interviewed via telephone just over two weeks ago. "The palm trees are blowing in the wind,'' Tischler observed. Windblown snow, and plenty of it, is the likely sight when the show comes to Worcester, but Tischler will at least be closer to home.

Flash back to when Tischler was 4 years old. His parents took him to the circus, and that was that, as far as wanting to be a performer.

He has been told that he exclaimed to his parents, "That's what I want to do.'' He believes it. "For me there was no real other option.'' However, "I had to wait four years to attend Circus Smirkus camp.''

The Vermont-based Circus Smirkus is a frequent visitor to these parts during the summer, and Tischler became a circus regular, playing a clown. He also performed in high school and community theater productions, and went on to earn a BFA in drama and...