Dirty Dancing
From the 1987 film, Dirty Dancing, now comes the theater production, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, playing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.
As the author of the movie, novelist, screenwriter, producer and director Eleanor Bergstein, also wrote the stage version.
This is one outstanding phenomenal show that features a cast of 39 outstanding singers and dancers and 53 hit songs. The fantastic dance numbers, choreographed by Kate Champion, are the force behind the production. But the lush set design by Stephen Brimson Lewis, video and projection design by Jon Driscoll, lighting by Tim Mitchell and the revolving stage, all add to the magic that brings the Kellerman’s Catskill Resort to life; it is as if one is watching a film.
When the Houseman family arrives at the resort for their annual holiday visit, Frances “Baby” Houseman, a nice Jewish girl, becomes involved with the dance instructors at Kellerman’s. Baby tries to help them when she finds out that the head dancers Johnny and Penny are in trouble. They are scheduled to do a performance, but Penny is unable to dance because she is pregnant. Baby offers to work with Johnny and take her place. When Baby’s father, Dr. Jake Houseman, finds out that she has been involved with “those people,” he tells her he doesn’t want her to see them anymore. Baby defies her father’s orders, but all’s well that ends well. Though it turns out to be a charming story, the real wonder and enjoyment of the production is the dancing, singing and all of the special effects.
Josef Brown brings physical vitality to the role of Johnny, while leggy Brita Lazenga’s grace, agility and form (Penny) are spellbinding. Amanda Leigh Cobb (Baby) is a charmer and she holds her own when it comes to dancing with Brown. John Bolger (Dr. Jake Houseman), Kaitlin Hopkins as Marjorie Houseman, Baby’s mother are a perfectly matched family that also includes Baby’s self-centered, jealous sister Lisa (Katlyn Carlson).
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will continue at the Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., in Hollywood, through June 28. It plays Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.BroadwayLA.org, by phone at 1-800-982-2787, at the Pantages Theatre Box Office, and at all Ticketmaster ticket outlets.
Highly recommended.
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Theater: Pantages Theatre
Web Site: http://www.broadwayla.org/
Dates: Through June 28, 2009