Review: Dirty Dancing - The classic story on stage. Liverpool Empire Theatre 9th April

Thursday 9th April was Press night performance of Dirty Dancing - The classic story on stage. The stage production based on the original 1987 film which starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey is currently touring the UK & Ireland. It is a romantic drama documenting a teenage girls relationship with a dance instructor. A project of Eleanor Bergstein who decided to re-imagine the film as a stage event. Directed by Sarah Tipple, produced by Karl Sydow and Joye entertainment this tour is a top class production which is guaranteed box office success in keeping with previous tours.

Claire Rogers & Lewis Kirk - elegance personified

Having attended the exclusive Dirty Dancing dance workshop a few months ago, I was beyond excited for the performance. (See earlier blog post for detail). It certainly did not disappoint and was everything I had hoped it would be. From the outset the quality of vocal, dancing and set design set the high standard that would continue throughout the show.

Roseanna Frascona & Lewis Kirk during press photo call up on the roof @StGeorgesHall

It was so easy to imagine that you had gone back in time and were indeed enjoying the summer of 1963. With the band positioned at the top of the stage with fantastic images being projected to form a backdrop, the show got off to a flamboyant start with polished, flawless choreography. Every word spoken by the cast was audible and crystal clear. This was a high end production and a feast for the eyes and the ears from the get-go. At times there was so much going on as the cast danced in couples together on stage that I did not want to blink in case I missed anything. That said, the balance was perfectly struck and there was never a moment of chaos. Kudos to choreographers Kate Champion, Craig Wilson and Glenn Wilkinson. The choreography was breathtaking and executed to perfection.

Roseanna Frascona was delightful. She portrayed the innocence of Frances "Baby" Houseman perfectly and she bore a striking resemblance to Jennifer Grey. You could not help but to be endeared towards her especially as she carried the watermelon in the famous scene. Gareth Bailey who plays the part of Johnny Castle was unable to appear in the show so Lewis Kirk took up the mantle. He was exceptional, poised and convincing in his alpha male role as the protagonist. He exuded charisma especially when he announced the "nobody puts Baby in the corner". Colin Charles who played Tito Suarez really stood out to me and he had such gravitas. When he sang the slow numbers with his velvet tones, it was reminiscent of Nat King Cole. 

As for the rest of the cast, they were A1. From perfect harmonies around the camp fire to faultless choreography throughout, they worked so seamlessly well together and performed to the audience who responded with glee. You really felt a part of the show as the choreography with its many dimensions drew the audience in. The costumes were great. Well done to Jennifer Irwin on creating some stunning outfits. Claire Rogers who played Penny Johnson was an extraordinary dancer and perfectly cast to play the role of Penny. A particularly funny scene was when Johnny was teaching Baby how to dance in the ocean, once again the set design was amazing as was the use of projections. Stephen Brimson Lewis is to be congratulated for the set. The audience were in fits of laughter as they observed the two falling about in the water. Just brilliant! 

Claire Rogers who plays Penny Johnson

James Coombes who played Baby's father Dr Jake Houseman and Julia J. Nagle who played her mum Marjorie Houseman were fantastic and should be credited for their acting and singing ability. Throughout the show the American accents were so convincing, the musical score was superb and the music just made you want to stand up in your seat especially towards the end when (I've Had) the Time of my life came on. Unfortunately, the ushers at the Empire discouraged this and promptly encouraged people to remain seated which I thought was unnecessarily restrictive and suppressed the mood slightly. By the finale, the audience were up on their feet and giving the cast the feedback and support they deserved.

Lewis Kirk who plays Johnny Castle

Lewis Kirk and his leading ladies Roseanna Frascona & Claire Rogers

Lewis and Roseanna - high lift

This performance was undoubtedly one of THE best shows that I have had the pleasure of watching. I loved every second of it and felt extremely grateful to everyone involved in making it happen. Whilst I haven't credited each cast and production member here, they each deserve acknowledgement. Bravo to all!

Don't miss this show. It is phenomenal, Delightful, Dramatic heartwarming and romantic.
I was privileged to attend the press photo call in advance of the show which took place on the roof of St Georges Hall Liverpool. Photos in this post were taken during the press photo call.

Dirty Dancing will be performed at Liverpool Empire theatre until 25th April and tickets are available here