'Dirty Dancing' returns for their tenth anniversary Australian tour and will be coming to Adelaide for a limited season. Among the cast, Queenslander Kurt Phelan is looking forward to bringing the show home.
'Dirty Dancing' tells the classic story of 17-year-old Baby Houseman and dance instructor Johnny Castle who come together and face a challenging run of on and off-stage consequences. Born and bred in Townsville, Kurt Phelan, plays the role of charismatic dance teacher, Johnny Castle.
Having graduated from NIDA, completing a Bachelor Of Dramatic Art – Acting, Kurt has been involved in a wide range of theatre and film as an actor, choreographer and writer since a young age. He started his professional musical career off in 'Singin' In The Rain' and has also performed in 'Witches Of Eastwick', 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert'.
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What does it mean to you to be a part of the tenth anniversary Australian tour of 'Dirty Dancing'?
It means the world to me. I love being on stage and I have been given the chance to play Johnny and lead this production of a film that I and everyone has loved ever since it came across our screens. It's a bucket list tick for me.
Has the show changed much over the years?
It has indeed. Though the script and very much the same, as it is from the movie. The production has been tightened and improved. We have amazing projection technology in the show now, that really brings scenes to life.
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What is it like walking in Patrick Swayze's shoes?
A dream come true. There once was an eight-year-old Kurt who wanted to swagger like Swazye. He's getting what he wished for.
How are you finding it being a lead man for the first time in this production?
It's fantastic. The response from people at stage door is sometimes overwhelming, but I can't help but smile. It's that energy that keeps me going.
What do you share in common with Johnny Castle?
He's a misunderstood man at times and Baby helps him to grow and learn to put his best foot forward. I think we have all had a 'Baby' do that for us in our pasts. Also, my passion for dance and the freedom it brings, we share that too.
How is the on-stage show of 'Dirty Dancing' different to the original movie?It is very close to the original. But there have been a few scenes added (mostly so we can't change costume). But the best difference is that the soundtrack is live and the band and singers are pumping. It really makes it an awesome night.
How do you prepare for a show?
Stretching, chat to Kirby (who plays Baby), have a coffee, get my hair Quiffed, microphone attached and do 'the lift'. And I'm ready.
Do you have a 'pump-up' song that you listen to before you go on stage?
I always do sit ups to Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know'. It's an oldy, but the right tempo. But the opening drum beat of the show gets me pumped every time.
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How did you prepare for this role before and after you landed it?
I went to the gym a lot. I needed to put on size and I put on 15kgs of muscle for the role. That was a great journey and something I never thought I could do.
What is the most challenging aspect as a performer in this musical?
Being away from your family and friends while on tour. The show becomes your family, but there's nothing better than a home cooked meal.
'Dirty Dancing' plays the Adelaide Festival Centre, 2 October - 1 November. 
