When it hit cinema screens in 1987 low budget film Dirty Dancing became an overnight sensation and quickly became iconic - one of the ultimate romance /coming of age movies of all time. The smash hit musical of the same name, which recreates the classic story on stage with all the big musical numbers and sensational Mumba routines, has followed a similar route and become a worldwide stage phenomenon.
Dirty Dancing The Classic Story On Stage opened in London in 2006, and was sold out six months in advance. It played five triumphant years at the Aldwych Theatre, breaking all box office records with advance ticket sales of over £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling West End show. It was seen by audiences of over one million and received standing ovations on a nightly basis. The show has since been seen by five million people worldwide.
Opening in September 2011, the first ever UK tour has similarly wowed audiences across the country, breaking box office records and playing to standing ovations and 5 star reviews.
Written by Eleanor Bergstein, script writer and co-producer of the phenomenally successful film, the production features all the much-loved characters and original dialogue with exciting extra scenes added in.
Set in an American holiday camp in the 1960s, Dirty Dancing tells the story of innocent Frances Baby Housemann, on holiday with her wealthy family. Deeply impressionable yet fiercely independent, she falls instantly for the resorts fiery and spirited dance instructor Jonny Castle, who she subsequently bumps into when she happens upon one of the staffs all-night dance parties. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, 'Baby' can't wait to be part of the scene and quickly finds herself in deeper than she could ever have imagined and facing the most challenging and triumphant summer of her life. Everything is about to change forever as she becomes Johnny's leading lady both on-stage and off
Powerfully evocative of the long hot summers of youth and the heady emotions of first romance, the show is also shadowed with intrigue and portrays the desires of youth to break through the restrictive moral codes, taboos and class barriers of the age. It makes for an unprecedented live experience a great tale exploding with heart-pounding music and emotion.
The tantalising mambo dance sequences and brand new choreography, now legendary, come alive on stage, set to all the hits from the unforgettable soundtrack, including Do You Love Me?, Hungry Eyes and the Academy Award Winning (Ive Had) The Time Of My Life, plus many additional songs.
Philip Bernays, chief executive of the Theatre Royal, said: This is a truly iconic show and we are very excited to be able to present its Newcastle debut. The production quality is outstanding and we know that lovers of the film and the musical, and newcomers to it alike will not be disappointed. Infact we are certain the whole audience will be dancing along in the aisles!
Producer Karl Sydow, discussing the new tour, said, We are so pleased to be starting this new stage in Dirty Dancings UK journey. The unique combination of Eleanor Bergsteins iconic story and the breathtaking dancing for which the show is renowned has proven so popular around the country that we are really looking forward to allowing new audiences to experience this timeless classic live on stage.
