Reviewed by Kathryn Carr
A rare mums’ night out saw a mid-week treat with a trip to the Victoria Theatre in Halifax to see ‘Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage.’
Possibly one of the most iconic coming-of-age films ever, this stage adaption of the 1987 classic has a lot to live up to. With the help of an impressive video wall (with projections of locations) the audience are transported around the Kellerman Resort, where seventeen-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is on vacation with her parents and older sister. When Baby stumbles across an all-night dance party in the staff quarters (whilst carrying the infamous watermelon), she not only learns a thing or two about dancing, she gets some major lessons in life and love when she becomes the resort dance teacher’s leading lady, both on stage and off.
It was difficult not to compare the theatre production to the film and anyone who’s seen the movie will undoubtedly do the same. Actor Michael O’Reilly has HUGE shoes to fill taking on the role of dance instructor Johnny, made famous by the suave and sultry performance of Patrick Swayze – the epitome of cool. Michael certainly earned his fair share of wolf whistles but for me, he was more Johnny Bravo than Johnny Castle with a hint of Rocky Balbao thrown in.
Kira Malou plays Baby well though her sweet performance needed a touch more sass. As a trained performer, it must be tricky for her to be a bad dancer but she mastered it; sometimes, a little too well. There were times her awkward moves were just too goofy. This made lots of people laugh; I on the other hand wanted Baby’s willingness to try, to evoke empathy. Likewise, the iconic scene where Baby and Johnny practice their dance lift in the lake loses the touching romance created in the film to comedy. Their exaggerated moves to represent their emergence from the water had the audience in stitches. Me? I wanted to witness the couple’s connection and slapstick comedy wasn’t the way to go. And here I am again, comparing the production with the film. The differences must be embraced and I feel I’m being too critical because as a whole, the show makes for a feel-good night out and I must admit, the ‘end dance’ gave me goosebumps.
One of the most anticipated parts of the show for me and my friend was the performance of Baby’s sister at the resort’s end of season show. Lizzie Ottley’s hula is hilarious. A real highlight. Another performer who really dazzled was Simone Covele. Her high kicks and elegant air couldn’t have made for a bitter fit as Penny, Johnny’s original dance partner.
I was expecting vocals from the lead characters and I was at times left a little confused as to who was singing and why. This production of Dirty Dancing isn’t your by-the-book musical; more a play with musical excerpts. I was hugely impressed by the voice of Sian Gentle-Green – but I have no idea as to who her character ‘Elizabeth’ was or how she fitted in with the story. Nevertheless, her talent is undeniable, and she did succeed in moving the narrative forward.
You don’t have to be a fan of the film to enjoy ‘Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage’; in fact, in some ways a fresh pair of eyes would be a benefit. However, those with a soft spot for the film will also love the stage version, they just need to remember to willingly accept its differences (though I did miss Mrs Schumacher), revel in its familiarity, try not to compare and perhaps instead, judge it as a standalone story. All in all, it’s a fantastic bit of fun that took me right back to my teenage years.
Rating: 3.5/5
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage originally opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006 with a record-breaking advance of £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history. The production became the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych and played to over 2 million people during its triumphant 5 year run.
Dirty Dancing is touring the UK until August 2019. For more information, prices and to book tickets, visit dirtydancingontour.com
I went to see the show at Halifax’s impressive Victoria Theatre which was built in 1901. One of the theatre’s most noticeable features is that it’s built on a cantilever system with no obstructive pillars, meaning fantastic views for everyone. The theatre, conveniently located in the centre of the town (easy parking and plenty of restaurants), hosts a wide range of events and shows. The friendly and helpful staff ensured my friend and I had a fantastic night out and my three-year-old daughter can’t wait to visit the venue with her preschool next month to see ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’.
Tickets cost from £31.75 (booking fees may apply).
Dirty Dancing is at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax from 17-20 April 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria or call the box office on 01422 351158.
Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP | 01422 351158
