I was intrigued to see the musical theatre version of the 1987 film Dirty Dancing because it was a really nice film which had good story line about relationships and honesty. Baby and Johnny (played by Jessie Hart and Lewis Kirk) had had a really great connection and were such a believable couple. The rehearsals must have been relentless as the timing was so precise. I thought that they were very sassy and the dance moves were incredible. The lift at the end was really impressive and I realise why he might have got his huge scar on his back!
The show benefited from an ensemble who gave a whole team effort that involved tremendous skill. The narrative consisted of a fluid storyline and worked much better that the film because it seemed to flow in a way which made the whole show easy to follow. It was great to be able to see Richard Weeden’s orchestra onstage and the music was well-paced, racy (like the action) and funky.
Kate Champion’s choreography displayed clever and creative techniques lifts that were terribly tricky but actually made to look effortlessly easy. Director Sarah Tipple challenges our preconceptions she took us down twists and turns which differed from the film. It was risky at times so my age group (13yo) might feel uncomfortable with the amount of steamy sexy scenes.
In terms of design Jon Driscoll’s projections of the scenes under water ,at sea,and in the jungle practising the dance gave a unique perspective and combined the real and illusion really well.
Verdict: It’s a must see show which gives you the goose bumps at times and the standing ovation that Baby and Johnny received was well deserved.
Reviewed on 9 July by Ava Sims at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford where it runs until 25 July, and touring see http://www.dirtydancingontour.com/
I have currently been to watch the show and I am sorry to say but I thought the dancers were poor quality and did not hold interest to the audience. Not a very good version that transmitted from film to stage.