Cute, cliché, tacky and fun is the best way to describe ‘Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage’.
For fans of the film, you’ll love it. For fans of theatre and musicals, you may question its lack of creativity. Although the show features a modern computerised set, it is loyal to the original 1987 film with a few extra scenes here and there.
I’ll admit I was disappointed that it didn’t deviate from the film as often as I would have liked it to in an attempt to adapt the film for stage. In saying this I was absolutely blown away by the level of talent on stage. Each and every performer stood out in their own light with an amazing level of energy.
Social photos from the opening night of 'Dirty Dancing' at QPAC.
The overall standout was by far Kirby Burgess as Baby. She brought a whole other dimension to Baby’s character and made her funny and loveable. Her on-stage partner, Kurt Phelan, had no trouble bringing sexy to the stage in his role as Johnny Castle. Contrary to most musicals, the lead pair were exempt from any singing. Kurt showcased some incredible dance skills on stage alongside his character’s phenomenal dance partner, with possibly the world’s longest legs, Penny Johnson, played by Maddie Peat. ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ 2009 winner, Mark Vincent, also graced the audience with his incredible voice and shone in his solo in ‘In The Still Of The Night’.
I would have liked to see the band appear more than three times throughout the show, but it didn’t effect the continuity of the show in any way and it was a nice to touch to have them overhead and onstage as opposed to in the pit. The second act was a lot stronger than the first and displayed some wonderful choreography and strong dancing.
Although there were definitely aspects of the show that could have been done better, it was evident that they had embraced the light-hearted and cliché essence of ‘Dirty Dancing’. Offering audiences nostalgia and a whole lot of fun, it is evident that it is a story that has no problem capturing an audience more than 25 years on.
‘Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage’ plays QPAC until 19 July.
Dirty Dancing Tour Dates
From 2 August – Crown Theatre (Perth)From October – Adelaide Festival Centre
