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Dirty Dancing on stage is exactly what it says on the tin. Every single famous scene, moment, song and quote you remember is honoured in this live version!
This cult classic isn’t reinvented, it’s reproduced on stage
And honestly, as a massive Dirty Dancing fan, that’s all I could have wanted. And by the sounds of the constant whooping, screaming and shouting, the audience were eating it all up.
You know the story – Back in 1963 at Kellerman’s Holiday Resort, a naive girl from a posh family falls for the uneducated, rough around the edges dancer. It’s a smushy rom com, with an iconic soundtrack and hot hot hot choreography. It’s cheesy but who doesn’t LOVE cheese.
Want more classic movies as musicals? Don’t forget to read my reviews of Bodyguard the musical and Mamma Mia!
Nobody is putting this show in the corner
It’s really well done in terms of taking you through the film, albeit at a speed of light pace.
The ensemble created the vacation energy as Kellerman staff running all sorts of traditional games such as a sack race and hula hooping. The minimal set encapsulated that holiday resort feel with white wooden verandas and Gazebo platform. The lake scene was pulled off with comedy using some OTT hair flips and splash sounds.
And the casting helped sell it
From her look to her physicality, you would think Kira Malou was genuinely Baby. She has mastered the quiet naivety and comic awkwardness.
Michael O’reilly was an imposing ‘lover boy’ Johnny with his cool confidence and muscley frame. I wasn’t quite as sold on his accent but their chemistry together was very sexy. After some detective work, I found out they are a couple in real life, which might explain the intense connection.
Lizzie Otley made the most of her role as Lisa, Baby’s simple and uppity sister. She absolutely mastered the famous ‘Hula song’, which is a stand out performance. Carlie Milner brings even more to the character Penny with her vulnerability as the lonely, knocked up dancer. And wow, can she move! Obviously a key aspect to that role.
I would have liked a stronger start to the show. It was very low key and slow, which I don’t think embodied what you were about to experience. And maybe there should be a sing along version so those who choir along can have a night for themselves. To be fair, with songs such as ‘Do you love me’, ‘Love man’, ‘Hungry Eyes’ and ‘In the still of the night’, who can really blame them.
I took my mum and we didn’t stop smiling, laughing, cheering and dancing. It was a really special evening to enjoy together.
Dirty Dancing on stage is a must see for fans of the film. You will have the time of your life!
Dirty Dancing on stage is playing at Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 2 October.
Find out when it’s coming near you.
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IMAGE CREDITS: Mark Senior