I saw Flashdance when it was in Philly a few months ago and had a great time. It was (mostly) so horrible that I don't understand how someone couldn't fall in love with it. It wasn't quite on the Into the Light/Got Tu Go Disco level, but it did its best to be a Wonderland, and that was good enough for me.
May favorite exchange in the book came when the lead guy saw Alex reading a copy of Vogue. Apparently he has been living under a rock because upon seeing the title he asks her if she speaks French, to which she replies: Yeah. Douche! The delivery was camp perfection and I nearly choked on my laughter.
In one of the early dance sequences Alex starts dancing in the street and the entire population of Pittsburgh joins her- including a traffic cop!- and it was reminded me of when a cop tap danced with Jo Anne Worley in Prince of Central Park!!!
The supporting characters absolutely hijack the first half of the second act and the climax of the audition is completely ruined by having her best friends appear behind scrims writhing around while singing the song. Why in the world would you ever distract from the one dance everyone in the audience has shown up to see. You don't bring the ensemble back on to sing oohs and aahs during Music and the Mirror, so why would you ever do it here?
It was exactly what I thought it would be and the awfulness was endearing and fun rather than boring. If it comes to your city (or Broadway) don't miss it.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!