Ever since the classic 1987 romantic dance movie, Dirty Dancing, transferred to the live stage, performances have sold out all around the country. Audiences flock to see the most iconic scenes from the film recreated before their eyes and they just love it. The simple mention of a watermelon, or not putting Baby in the corner, sends them into raptures and makes the job of the brand new cast, just heading out on a year long national tour after their opening performances at the Theatre Royal Brighton, very much easier.
It’s almost unbelievable that the Theatre Royal’s compact stage could never reproduce the film but, with skillful use of projected scenes, complex lighting design and very flexible revolving scenery, somehow it works and, when you add in some extremely complex dance routines and the rousing musical score full of sultry Latin rhythms and million selling hit tunes we have a show that keeps both the movie lovers and the devotees of live musical theatre very happy.
The 100 minute movie has had a couple of extra scenes added to create a two hour theatre show and yet, somehow, the plotline is just as paper thin as it ever was and, as the title suggests, the show is, fundamentally, just about the dancing – which allows the entire ensemble to show off their tremendous skill.
Simone Covele, as Penny, is, quite simply, the most spectacularly flexible and supple dancer. Her moves are strong and sultry and she has legs that seem to go all the way up to her armpits. Together with the rest of the dancers, who all display beautiful style and incredibly well defined lines, they bring Gillian Bruce’s superb choreography to life amazingly well.
Central to the success of the production are the two main characters of Johnny and “Baby”, played by theatrical newcomer Michael O’Reilly and Kira Malou. From the outset the innocence and vulnerability that Kira brings to the role are the perfect contrast to Michael’s macho cocky arrogance, emphasised by an accent that is reminiscent more of Stallone than Swayze.
In act one they work well together and their on-stage chemistry starts to blossom from their very first meetings. This further develops in act two and, by the time Johnny leaps back on to the stage to deliver the iconic “Noboby puts Baby in a corner” line their relationship is so strong, and the audience are so enthusiastic, that they bring the house down.
As mentioned before, this is primarily a showcase of superb dancing. The production sticks faithfully to the movie script which ensures that those who have seen the film many times, and the vast majority of the audience appear to fall into that category, are left delighted. Go along – You’ll have the time of your life!
**** Four Stars