‘I have had the time of my life and I’ve never felt this way before’ sums up my reaction to DIRTY DANCING. This is the classic stage show based on the hit movie of the same name, written by Eleanor Bergstein.
Both the last production in Sydney in 2004, which I saw twice, and the present revival have been unique, very special and faultless.
It is the summer of 1963. The sixties were a time of great change and civil rights epitomized in Martin Luther King’s speech, “I have a dream that people won’t be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Baby’s father, Dr Jake Houseman, played by Adam Murphy, has a very high opinion of his teenage daughter and believes that she is, ‘going to change the world’.
Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, played by the very attractive Kirby Burgess, is more intent on discovering the passion and intensity of young love. She matures before the audience’s eyes and learns some amazing dance moves in the process. All of these life lessons occur in New York’s Catskill mountains whilst ‘Baby’ is vacationing with her parents and sister Lisa.
At a hotel party ‘Baby’ meets working class dance instructor Johnny Castle, played by the muscular, charismatic and sexy Kurt Phelan.
Johnny’s dance partner Penny Johnson is played by the simply stunning Nadia Coote who originated the role in Australia.
Mark Vincent plays Billy, a friend of Johnny’s and he has an exquisite voice.
Penny is unable to dance at the Shelldrake Hotel and Johnny teaches ‘Baby’ the steps. He places her hand on his heart and one can sense the chemistry and electricity between them.
Teagan Wouters as Baby’s sister Lisa is charming when she enters the talent show. She falls for the womanising Robbie played by Chris Ostrenski.
In the impressive finale, when Johnny and ‘Baby’ execute the famous climactic lift, with wild cheers coming from the audience, I felt as though my heart had wings and that I too could soar to great heights, physically and emotionally.
This stirring current production has been well directed by James Powell. Michelle Lynch is the Choreographer. The poetic sets are designed by Stephen Brimson Lewis. The lake scene, with the rain falling, evoked a lush romanticism.
The wonderful, live orchestra is visible on stage under the musical direction of David Skelton.
These songs are the soundtrack to our lives.
As for me, I’m enrolling in dance classes!
DIRTY DANCING opened at the Lyric Theatre, Star City on Wednesday 3rd December.