The successful West End musical version of ‘Dirty Dancing’ will be coming to Perth in 2015.
Producer John Frost has announced his new production of the musical, that first came to Australia ten years ago, will have a limited season at the Crown Theatre from August 2nd 2015.
The show begins it’s previews in Sydney tonight, before heading to Melbourne, Queensland before the Perth season opens.
Taking on the iconic roles first portrayed in the film by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey is Australian musical theatre stars Kurt Phelan and Kirby Burgess.
Phelan who has previously appeared in ‘Singing in the Rain’, ‘The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ and ‘Saturday Night Fever’ will take on the role of Johnny Castle, while Burgess will play Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman – and remember, “nobody puts baby in a corner”.
Announcing the show’s Australia tour, Producer John Frost shared his excitement about the production.
“I’m thrilled to bring this wonderful new production of Dirty Dancing to Perth,” said Frost, “The stage musical gave audiences the chance to hear the songs from the hit film performed live and to experience the breathtaking dance routines.”
The story of young girl, staying at a holiday camp with her parents in the Catskill Mountains, who discovers a wild nightlife in the staff quarter was an unexpected hit when it first appeared as a film in 1987.
The low-budget coming of age story featured no stars, except Broadway actor Jerry Orbach in a supporting role. The film was a box office hit, and went on to become the first home video to sell over a million copies. The film’s soundtrack topped the charts, leading to a second soundtrack album being released.
The single ‘I’ve Had the Time of My Life’ was a huge hit for former Righteous Brother Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The song was later heavily sampled by the Black Eyed Peas for their hit ‘The Time (Dirty Bit)’.
Ticket’s don’t go on sale until later next year, but fans can register their interest at www.dirtydancingaustralia.com Â
image: Kurt SnedonÂ
A stellar dancing performance by Kirby “Baby” and Kurt “Johnny”. Excellent timing. Infallible. It must take great teamwork and incredible confidence for Kirby and Kurt to perform such magnificent moves especially in the lift. Kudos for going the extra mile by turning “Baby” above “Johnny’s” head. Didn’t do that in the movie. Vocals are amazing. Other dancers blew my mind also. Only viewed on you tube so can’t wait to see the real thing.