The Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis has been home to countless plays and musicals, and another has been added to the list. Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage hit the stage Tuesday, Oct. 7 and will be showing through Sunday, Oct. 19. The Gustavus Campus Activities Board took students to the show on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Most have heard of the cult classic movie Dirty Dancing starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey as Johnny Castle and Baby Houseman respectively. A timeless tale of dance and love, Dirty Dancing is a world-famous film that has been transformed into an equally loved musical.
The musical started on stage in Australia in Nov. of 2004 and found its way to London’s West End a few years later. Starring Samuel Pergande as Johnny Castle and Jillian Mueller as Frances “Baby” Houseman, the show is now on a national tour in North America. The musical boasts a team of Writer Eleanor Bergstein, Director James Powell, Music Director Alan Plado and original choreography by Kate Champion. The show features all of the classic songs from the film version–including hits such as “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” and “Dancing Queen” as well as a few new ones specially written for the stage.
Writer Eleanor Bergstein originally composed Dirty Dancing because she loves to dance and believes that “everyone has a secret dancer inside them.”
The musical has received good reviews from around the world. The United Kingdom’s The Observer calls the musical “The biggest live theatre sensation of all time.”
The students who were lucky enough to get a ticket had to wake up early as the CAO desk began selling tickets at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 30. Students bussed up from 3 Flags at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 to see the at 7:30 p.m. show that night.
This isn’t the only chance for people to witness the classic, tickets for the rest of the performance dates and more information are available on various websites such as the Hennepin Theatre Trust website. The show even has its own website.
“If the delight of the audience was anything to go by, this fantastically entertaining stage show proved it is every bit as good as the 25-year-old movie,” the UK’s Deeside Piper wrote.
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage runs about two hours, with a twenty minute intermission. Viewers are advised that the show has adult themes, is suitable for teenagers and older, and uses strobe lights.
“Fasten your seatbelts and have the time of your life,” Boston Globe tells readers and viewers.
A must-see for fans new and old, Dirty Dancing is sure to awaken an inner love for 80s dance, music, and love in viewers.
-Kim Krulish