Last night I went to see Dirty Dancing, at the Grand Opera House, York. Now, I remember going to see it at the cinema (when it was The Odeon on Blossom Street). I completely fell in love with Patrick Swayze, I mean, how could you not? It’s been many many years since I saw the film so I was excited to see the stage performance.
I wasn’t disappointed, nor were the rest of the audience judging by their reactions. It was the first night of the tour in York and there were a few issues with the set, and a slight technical hitch that stopped the show during the second half but I don’t think it spoiled anyone’s experience. If anything it gave everyone a chance for a bit of excited chatter.
To start with, the dancing was phenomenal, almost the entire cast danced, and I mean really danced! The music was wonderfully nostalgic and evocative of both the 60’s when Dirty Dancing was set, and for me, the 80’s when I listened to the soundtrack on repeat! I loved Baby and her sister Lisa was both annoying and amusing by turns. I found Johnny to be a little awkward to begin with but as the show went on, took to him more. Indeed the largely female audience also took a shine to him when he took his clothes during a rather saucy scene with Baby. It certainly raised the temperature as well as some eyebrows!
All in all, a fabulous, fun night was had by all. If you get chance go and see it!
Dirty Dancing, at the Grand Opera House, York – The official info:
It’s the summer of 1963, and 17 year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, she shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles across an all-night dance party at the staff quarters. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor. Her life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off, and two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage features hit songs including ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart-stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’. Many favourite original masters feature within this stage sensation which blends the movie soundtrack seamlessly with live performances by our cast. Some of these classic tracks include ‘Cry To Me’ by the larger-than-life rhythm & blues singer Solomon Burke, the No.1 hit single ‘Hey! Baby’ by Bruce Channel and ‘These Arms of Mine’, Otis Redding’s first solo record. Other artists featured include Gene Chandler, The Chantels, The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, Lesley Gore, Mickey & Sylvia, The Surfaris and Django Reinhardt. Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage originally opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006 with a record-breaking advance of £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history. The production became the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre and played to over 2 million people during its triumphant 5 year run.
Since its Australian debut in 2004, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage has become a worldwide phenomenon, with productions staged in the USA, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore and throughout Europe, consistently breaking box office records. Recent sell out tours include France, Germany and Australia. The first ever UK tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage launched in 2011 and then returned to the West End in 2013 playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London, prior to launching a second UK and Ireland tour. A further tour and West End Christmas season followed in 2016/17.
Dirty Dancing York
Tickets: From £18
Box Office: 0844 871 3024
Online: www.atgtickets.com/york