Posts with the label dirty dancing
Showing posts with label dirty dancing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dirty dancing. Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 February 2022
Dirty Dancing, Dominion Theatre | Review
Dirty Dancing
Dominion Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 8th February 2022
★★★½
Dirty Dancing is one of the cult classic films that's beloved by many generations and continually stands the test of time, so a stage version has a built in audience. The show is a faithful adaptation of the film, following the story of 'Baby' Houseman as she spends a family holiday discovering love, relationships, sex and inequality.
There's also a number of subplots including an illegal abortion and the civil rights movement which doesn't quite land and feels somewhat shoehorned in but is a nice attempt at making an otherwise surface level show have some depth. Parts of the plot are lacklustre but overall it's a fun revival that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Filling Patrick Swayze's shoes as leading man Johnny Castle is definitely a tough job but Michael O'Reilly does so excellently and has the audience in the palm of his hand from the moment he enters in a Disney prince fashion. His dancing is skilful and he uses the minimal dialogue to command the stage and draw attention throughout, as well as showing a more vulnerable side to the character in the second act.
Kira Malou is wonderful as Baby, showcasing her character growth and dancing ability brilliantly. As a character Baby can be annoying at moments but Kira does a great job of making her seem real and brings her concerns and values to life in a way that feels genuine without being over the top or too whiney.
As her sister Lisa, Lizzie Ottley is delightful, bringing her comedic timing to the role and being a step behind just at the right time. Carlie Milner is a complete stand out as Penny, providing energy, legginess and such precision in her dancing, she's an absolute dream to watch and also gives a touching acting performance.
Aside from the dancing this is really a show about the music, which is so iconic. Whilst all the classic tunes are included in the show, I do wish there was more singing as opposed to some of the instrumental or extremely brief moments of song. Some vocal treats however, are provided by Mimi Rodrigues Alves who is fab. Additionally the Kellerman's band are first-rate as they become part of the on stage action.
Despite its shortcomings, Dirty Dancing is a lovely, feel-good tribute to the film. There's iconic moments aplenty, sleek lifts, sweet romance, a big dose of nostalgia and all in all it's a lot of fun. Did I have the time of my life? Not quite. But was it an enjoyable, carefree night out at the theatre? Absolutely!
Dirty Dancing plays at the Dominion Theatre until 16th April 2022
photo credit: Mark Senior
Tuesday, 2 July 2019
Dirty Dancing (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review
Dirty Dancing (UK Tour)
London Palladium
Reviewed on Monday 1st July 2019 by Emma Gradwell
★★★
It is the summer of 1963. Frances "Baby" Houseman is on holiday with her parents and sister at Kellerman's, a holiday resort in the mountains owned by a family friend. The mundane entertainment leaves Baby disinterested and she is quickly distracted by the underground evening activities enjoyed by the staff. Baby's desire to help leads her to having a crash course in Latin Dancing to cover the tracks for her new friends and to learn some life lessons as she grows from a naive girl into a confident and sensual woman.
Katie Eccles is sweet as Baby and her scenes with Michael O'Reilly as Johnny range from comedic to sultry. As a couple the chemistry builds slowly as the characters become better acquainted. There are times that movement and dialogue seem forced and exaggerated for effect in a way that is unnecessary.
The dancing, choreographed by Gillian Bruce is expertly performed. Dirty Dancing is certainly a dance led production and Simone Covele as Penny gives a stand out performance. The energy hits its highs during the group performances, which is when the show is at its best, peaking with the finale - and that lift!
There are times when the acting seems not as effortless as the movement, but this is not a complicated story and the show is driven by the dance. Lizzie Otley puts her own spin as Lisa Houseman during the Hula number and provides an unforced comic moment that stands out.
Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage is a faithful retelling of the much loved film. Costumes designed by Jennifer Irwin are near enough identical to their on screen counterparts and Federico Bellone's production is almost word for word as it is on screen. This makes for a nostalgic revisiting to a familiar story for many who grew up in the 80's and hold a special place in their hearts for Baby and Johnny. Roberto Comotti's rotating set design is vast and ambitious. Combined with Valerie Tiberi's lighting design which expertly uses projection to bring to life Johnny and Baby's lake lift.
This is not traditional musical theatre and it is not marketed as such. Very few of the main characters sing and most vocal performances are sung alongside the story with a live band on stage with them, which is a nice touch. Much of the score is pre-recorded classics from the era and I would have preferred live performances.
Dirty Dancing is an enduringly popular brand and the latest touring offering should keep fans satisfied.
photo credit: Alastair Muir
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
Dirty Dancing (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Dirty Dancing (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 18th March 2019 by Kay Adams
★★★★★
Dirty Dancing is not just a show about a love affair against the odds, or an early 60s period piece. Its continued popularity over the past 31 years is just as much due to tackling issues of class, family, loyalty, and right and wrong head on. It’s a coming-of-age story par excellence, acknowledged in Johnny’s introduction of Baby to everyone at Kellerman’s on the last night of the season.
So, if you are in the minority of people who haven’t actually seen the iconic film all those years ago – It’s the summer of 1963 and 17 year old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents she shows little interest in the resort activities and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles across an all-night dance party at the staff quarters. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves (and there are those aplenty in this stage production too), Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor. 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; as two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
Whether you know the story or not, this wonderful production, written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Federico Bellone, will captivate you from start to finish. Many favourite original masters feature within this stage sensation which blends the movie soundtrack seamlessly with this live performance.
The quality of the dancing is phenomenal, with enigmatic dance numbers and sensual moments throughout. The scenery and special effects, especially the campfire and water scenes, were beautifully crafted. The audience were used at one point as part of ‘Kellerman’s’ entertainment as the scenes were seamlessly changed.
This production gets a 5 star review from me – a night to remember – and remember “Nobody puts Baby in the corner”
Dirty Dancing runs at the New Victoria Theatre 23rd March 2019
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Dirty Dancing (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Dirty Dancing (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday September 4th 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
The best way to start this review is probably to say that I've only seen the Dirty Dancing film once. Whilst that's probably a movie crime I think it's pretty good because I don't have much to compare the show with.
Based on the 1987 movie, there is a large and eager fan base ready to lap up a live-action, energetic romance between the lower class dance instructor, Johnny Castle and daddies girl teen, Frances 'Baby' Houseman. There have been a number of reincarnations of the show which always garner solid box office sales but sadly I feel this is purely because of the cult popularity as opposed to the quality of production.
There's nothing I can precisely pinpoint that's bad about this production but I just feel that it doesn't transfer particularly well to stage. The performances are extremely good and Gillian Bruce's choreography is wonderful but the sudden changes and bitty moments which work well on screen just don't transfer on stage.
Katie Eccles is suitably sweet but feisty as Baby and seeing her transition and personal growth on stage was lovely. Lewis Griffiths is sexy and brooding as Johnny; his chemistry with Katie is great and they work together wonderfully to make the story flow.
I would describe this production as more of a play with music than a musical which was a bit of a let down to me. Sophia MacKay and Michael Kent lead the very few pieces that are actually sung with ease and style. It feels that there are too many little things added in that are not fully explored, making the show a little confusing and disjointed. Carlie Milner plays the character of Peggy brilliantly and her dancing is sublime however, her whole storyline feels a little rushed and we don't have time to fully connect with her.
The set changes are smooth and effortless with clever effects such as the water scene and I loved the lighting, especially when the morning light is supposed to be coming through the blinds.
The final scene is by far the stand out with the iconic lift being pulled off perfectly. Whilst it isn't my ideal production, I love seeing the audience reactions and it really is lovely seeing huge fans of the film smile and swoon each time an iconic moment happens or line is spoken. I personally wouldn't race back to the show but for a fun, light-hearted and sexy night out it's certainly a lot of fun and if I could kick my leg that high I would love to spend my nights dancing away!
Dirty Dancing runs at the New Victoria theatre until 9th September before continuing on its tour.
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