Dirty Dancing
Inspired by the iconic 1987 film ‘Dirty Dancing’, this musical is chock full of energy, drama, love, freedom and standing up for what is right.
Dirty Dancing: the musical is a sexy, romantic and passionate production which is centred upon two young people from totally different backgrounds. ‘Baby’ is from a middle class, affluent family whereas ‘Johnny’ is from a working class background. What happens when these two worlds collide?
This sensational production has been adapted for the stage by the writer and creator of the popular film, Eleanor Bergstein. It features an all star cast, dazzling dance routines and of course, those unforgettable songs which have been taken straight from the 1987 film. These include ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Do You Love Me’ and not forgetting ‘I Had the Time of My Life’.
Dirty Dancing is based upon the hit film of 1987. The film explores the love affair which develops between 17 year old ‘Baby’ Houseman and the older and worldly wise dance instructor ‘Johnny’. It is set in 1960’s America where Baby and her affluent, middle class family are staying at an upmarket summer resort called Kellerman’s.
The family take part in many of the resort’s activities but Baby remains indifferent until whilst helping a staff member finds herself at an all night party in the staff quarters. At this dance party, various members of staff are performing hot, raunchy dance moves to pulsating music which leaves Baby completely enthralled. There she meets handsome dance instructor, Johnny Castle and his regular dance partner, Penny.
He teaches Baby to dance and she finds herself falling for him but she has to keep this a secret from her parents. In the meantime, her sister has fallen for one of the waiters, Robbie. Robbie is planning on going to medical school but is working at the resort in the meantime.
However, things go drastically wrong when Penny requires urgent medical help after a botched abortion. Baby calls her father who is doctor and he helps Penny but assumes that Johnny is the father and forbids Baby to see him.
As Penny is unable to dance, Baby takes on the role as Johnny’s dance partner. They are becoming increasingly attracted to one another and carry on their love affair in secret. They are found out when Johnny is accused of stealing from a guest and is fired. Baby steps in to defend him but to no avail.
Meanwhile, Johnny realises that Baby is a determined young woman who was prepared to stick her neck out for him. Inspired by this he returns to the resort and at a dance show, heads for the Houseman’s table and plucks Baby from her parents table. This is a cue for one of the most repeated lines in film history – ‘Nobody puts Baby in the corner’.
The two of them dance and appear to be as one, amazing and impressing the guests and the staff. They perform a stunning dance move – an overhead lift. Baby’s parents change their mind about Johnny when they see how much Baby is in love with him and they also notice that their daughter has matured into a confident and assured young woman.
