6 reasons to go see ‘Dirty Dancing’ at the Schuster

Get ready to turn up the heat as the Victoria Theatre Association's Premier Health Broadway Series presents the latest national tour of "Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage" through Sunday, March 19 at the Schuster Center.

Based on the hit 1987 film, which has grossed over $214 million worldwide, the coming-of-age tale concerns the unexpected friendship and blossoming romance between sexy dance instructor Johnny Castle (Christopher Tierney) and 17-year-old Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jillian Mueller) at Kellerman’s, a resort in New York’s Catskill Mountains. Mesmerized by Johnny’s sensually skillful routines, Baby’s world drastically changes when she becomes his partner on stage and off.

Here are six reasons why you should see this entertaining play with music.

1. ESCAPE TO A DIFFERENT ERA

Set in the summer of 1963, “Dirty Dancing” weaves a perfect combination of love and desire amid family friction bolstered by the nostalgic backdrop of a more innocent time. As Johnny and Baby’s complicated relationship evolves, those near to them are examined with equal attraction, including Johnny’s original partner Penny Johnson (portrayed by Jennifer Mealani Jones) and Baby’s sister Lisa.

“Lisa Houseman is a great character with so many layers,” said Alyssa Brizzi who portrays Lisa. “Sometimes I feel she’s misunderstood. Yes, she can be sassy, snappy and mean, especially toward her younger sister Baby, but I believe that’s just coming from her emotional personality toward the relationship with their father. Overall, ‘Dirty Dancing’ is a huge success because it offers an escape from reality and is also about two people who should have never fallen in love but did. In a normal, everyday situation Baby and Johnny probably would have never made it work (as a couple), but because they are the exception it gives everyone hope.”

2. SEE MORE THAN WHAT’S IN MOVIE

Written by original screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein, the production honors the film’s foundation while broadening its scope. The stage adaptation isn’t merely a carbon copy of the film thereby inviting a refreshing look at characters and situations, particularly in terms of social consciousness and the Civil Rights Movement.

“As I learned how many people watched the movie over and over and over,” said Bergstein, “I began to think that what they really wanted was to share more physically in the event, to step through the screen and be there while the story was happening. And if that was true, then its natural form was theater – live audiences watching live bodies dancing and singing here and now in the present – on the log, on the bridge, on the dance floor and in the staff quarters at Kellerman’s.

“Writing it for the stage, I was also able to add more Baby and Johnny scenes, more about the family, more songs I couldn’t afford last time, and, best of all — more dancing. I have added 20 new original scenes, 36 numbers of live music and an eight-piece band on stage, to invite the audience to come into Kellerman’s and experience the story as a live event as it happens.”

>> RELATED: A chat with screenwriter/producer Eleanor Bergstein

3. HEAR SONGS YOU KNOW AND LOVE

Many hits from the multi-platinum “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack, one of the most successful of all time selling 32 million copies worldwide, are featured in the show including “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey! Baby,” “Yes!,” “She’s Like the Wind,” and the Academy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning classic “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” In addition to terrific vocals by Chante Carmel and Jordan Edwin André, serving as musical commentators throughout, the show offers a familiarly hilarious moment for fans of the film.

“I get to sing the full version of Lisa’s hula song,” Brizzi said. “Sometimes it feels a little silly pretending I’m a terrible dancer or committing to the goofy steps and lyrics, but the audience loves it. It’s a fun and lighthearted moment the audience loves, and I’m excited to do it every night. It’s something I look forward to on a daily basis.”

>> RELATED: When will Broadway’s famous “Hamilton” come to Dayton?

4. BE WOWED BY CAPTIVATING CHOREOGRAPHY

Michele Lynch’s outstanding choreography pays delightful homage to the film (the splendidly recreated “Hungry Eyes” particularly conjures the spirit of Patrick Swayze) while displaying various elements of Latin ballroom routines. Tierney and Jones’ sizzling hot mambo is an early Act 1 knockout. Don’t be surprised if you have the urge to sign up for dance classes after the show.

>> RELATED: What’s coming up next on stage at the Schuster Center?

5. WATCH A MIRACLE OF A LEADING MAN

In 2010, Tierney made headlines for injuries he suffered from a safety harness malfunction while portraying Spider-Man in a stunt sequence in Broadway’s “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.” He sustained a hairline fracture in his skull, four broken ribs, a bruised lung and three fractured vertebrae. Considering his journey since his near-death experience, seeing him perform now to the hilt with cool confidence, masculine grace, brisk energy, and striking dexterity is remarkable.

6. CHERISH THE LIFT

Johnny and Baby’s signature moment is real and it’s spectacular.

>> PHOTOS: Broadway shows we cannot wait to see in Dayton


WANT TO GO?

What: "Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage"

Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton

When: Through March 19; 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $30-$122

Tickets/more info: Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com

FYI: The Victoria provides a "Background on Broadway" informative session on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 1 p.m. during the run of "Dirty Dancing" for patrons to learn about the development, history, and artistry of the show. This free event is held in the Schuster Center's Fourth Floor Lobby. You must have a ticket to that day's performance.

About the Author