We’ve all watched the film a thousand times, but judging by the queues stretching all the way past Oxford’s New Theatre on opening night, we still can’t get enough of Frances “Baby” Houseman and dance instructor Johnny Castle.
That hypnotic blend of romance, big hit songs, sexy dancing, rebellion, parental rebellion and a long hot summer of love just keeps on giving.
The worry is that putting such an epic and beloved story on stage will somehow mean it loses its magic, but not here. Oh no.
In fact the opposite was true – the audience were ready – knowing every lyric, every dance move and every line, ‘I carried a watermelon,’ gaining a massive whooping cheer, as did so many of Dirty Dancing’s immortal lines.
The cast has a lot to do with that, from the moment the curtains went up, we were encased in a massive dance extravaganza, setting the scene for what’s to come.
And instead of the actual stars such as Bill Wither and Jennifer Warnes singing, Danny Collegian and Lydia Sterling‘s voices soared to perfection allowing the focus to remain on the story and dancing.
That’s not to take away from the incredible leads Kira Malou as Baby and Michael O’Reilly as Johnny, who were totally convincing, taking us straight back to Kellerman’s holiday camp and it’s West Side Story style romance about the boy from the wrong side of the tracks daring to fall in love with a naive, wealthy camper.
And you could cut the sexual tension with a knife, audience members visibly clutching each other at the key scenes as their romance blossomed.
Packed with those heart-rendering tunes, heart-pumping dance numbers and heart-stopping plot, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is Ana absolute must see
It ended with an instant standing ovation with everyone dancing along with the cast.
Sexy, hilarious and impossible not to dance along, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage gets you up on your feet I would go see it again in a heart beat.
But book now because tickets are very limited.
BEATRIX PAYNE
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is at Oxford’s New Theatre until Saturday. Book here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dirty-dancing/new-theatre-oxford/
