Dirty Dancing new cast from 29 Sep 2008

Dirty Dancing new cast from 29 Sep 2008

Cast changes in Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage, at the Aldwych Theatre from 29 Sep 2008.

Martin Harvey will star in the role of Johnny Castle, direct from the Royal Ballet, and Leanne Rowe will play Frances "Baby" Houseman. The production's original Penny, Nadia Coote, will continue in the role.

The rest of the casting includes Steven Hartley and Carol Starks as Baby's parents; Jessica Brooks (Lisa).

Other new cast members are David Firth (Max Kellerman), Robin Chalk (Neil Kellerman), Josie Kidd (Mrs Schumacher). The ensemble is completed by Jacquie Biggs, Wayne Anthony Cole, Cassandra Compton, Neisha-yen Jones, Toussaint Meghie, Sandy Moffat, Callum Powell, Cleopatra Royer, Kelly Smith, Zizi Strallen, Elia Lo Tauro, Hannah Vassallo, Alan Vincent, Maria Ward, Ed White, Karen Williams..

Cast members continuing in the show from the West End opening include Basienka Blake, John Conroy, Jason Griffiths, Chris Holland, Richard Lloyd King, James Leece, Brian Saccente.

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage opened at the Aldwych Theatre 24 Oct 2006, following previews from 29 Sep, to positive notices from the popular press: THE EVENING STANDARD says, " The light-hearted, frivolous young will have a ball with Dirty Dancing." THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "Act One is a gorgeous feast of dance."THE INDEPENDENT says, "This is a very enjoyable evening." THE GUARDIAN says, "A straightforward frame-by-frame recreation of the movie experience." THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "No one is likely to have the time of their lives here. But a decent, undemanding night out for couples, easily impressed teens and hen parties? You bet." THE TIMES says, "A show which adds so little to the original...Yet I found myself warming to Bergstein's modern fairy story."

All the hits from the 80s film, which starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, which includes Do You Love Me?, She's Like The Wind and Time Of My Life, are featured in the stage show along with some new numbers. The story has been re-written for the stage by Eleanor Bergenstein, but includes all of the movies memorable moments and some added scenes as well.

It is directed by James Powell, choreographed by Kate Champion, designed by Stephen Brimson-Lewis, lighting by Tim Mitchell, costumes by Jennifer Irwin, sound by Bobby Aitken, and musical supervisor is Conrad Helfrich.

The Houseman's take their vacation at a popular holiday camp, where youngest daughter 'Baby' meets dance teacher from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny. There begins a classic love story through which we see that love can conquer all barriers and we learn that 'nobody puts Baby in the corner'!

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage is currently taking bookings to 17 Oct 2009.