We reviewed the current production of 'Dirty Dancing' earlier in its run. This review is an updated version of a previously published one.
The UK tour of Dirty Dancing is a stage version of the 1987 film classic written by Eleanor Bergstein - and truly a force to be reckoned with.
The big screen favourite starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, in the film which was famously spawned as a low budget movie, but has gone on to earn over $214 million at the box office.
Furthermore, it was the first film to sell more than a million copies on home video and the soundtrack has generated two multi-platinum albums and numerous singles, including '(I've Had) The Time of My Life', which won both the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song, and a Grammy for best duet. Phew!
In 1963, Frances "Baby" Houseman (Kira Malou, Dirty Dancing - UK Tour), a sweet daddy's girl, goes with her family to Kellerman's Resort in upstate New York. Baby has grown up in privileged surroundings and all expect her to go on to college and save the world before marrying a doctor - just like her father. Unexpectedly, she becomes infatuated with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Michael O'Reilly, The Pajama Game), a man whose background is vastly different from her own.
Baby lies to her father to get money to pay for an illegal abortion for Johnny's dance partner. She then fills in for her and, as he's teaching her the dance routine, they fall in love. It all comes apart when Johnny's friend falls seriously ill after her abortion and Baby gets her father, who saves the girl's life. He then learns what Baby has been up to, who with and worse - that he funded the illegal abortion. He bans his daughter from any further association with "those people".
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, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
Previously, I was one of the only people in the theatre who hadn't seen the film - however, after seeing the stage show in 2017, Christmas happened and my wife sat me down to 'rectify my misdemeanours'. Whilst I definitely watched it, if I'm honest, I knew some of the songs and I was aware there were watermelons involved and a lift at the end...but that's about it!
This production takes you through the highs and lows of the story with a cast who are about as talented and suited to their roles as you can get. Malou shone as Baby, retaining the signature look and style that Jennifer Grey created so famously in the film version. Her dancing skill is admirable and her take on the character is - in my opinion - perfect.
O'Reilly is fresh out of drama school and, having left in July was straight into rehearsals for what is undoubtably one of the most 'known' roles in musical theatre. Speaking to him before the show, he recounted a desire to find his own 'Johnny' and not try to mimic what had gone before. That said, he had an unimaginable job matching up to Swayze's portrayal of the character - however he took the role and put his own stamp on it with a subtle nod to the original leading man.
O'Reilly was dripping with confidence and charisma from the second he walked on stage. There's no room for half hearted attempts in this show and by the bows he had every woman in the audience on their feet. Considering his lack of professional stage hours, his maturity was that of an actor way beyond his years and he, and Malou, had a chemistry which was so strong it's testament to their skill.
Both excelled and were delivered an overdue standing ovation at the end after *that* song. Their ability to take two of the most iconic characters in movie history and replicating them so beautifully on stage with a cast of their equally talented peers was mesmerising.
What was also lovely to see was a marked improvement from any previous incarnation of the show I've seen. This was my fourth viewing and, very much like a maturing wine this piece really does get better with age. I think it's safe to say that, when I saw the production in Birmingham, the chemistry was there, but in smaller doses. Now both leads have had chance to settle into their parts and become accustomed to each other in, what is, a very physical show, their relaxed demeanour definitely gives rise to a stellar performance.
Dirty Dancing is one in a long series of shows where the characters are almost more well known than the storyline. There's a knack to being able to put your own stamp on roles so undeniably associated with an individual - and it's refreshing to see that this didn't fall into the trap of a tribute show to the original film.
The only real criticism I have is that, at times, scenes can feel rushed and the soundtrack was cut short. I suppose it's symptomatic of bringing a movie with so many stand-out moments to the stage and needing to get them all in. However, unlike shows such as Grease and Hairspray, which both saw the Broadway musical adapted for the screen, this production is clearly the movie on stage. On the whole that isn't problematic and some gorgeous scenery and skilful choreography keeps the flow going nicely.
Dirty Dancing runs at Wolverhampton Theatre until Saturday 6th April. For more information, or tickets, head to grandtheatre.co.uk.
