BWW Preview: DIRTY DANCING at The Playhouse

Like DROWSY CHAPERONE, now playing at Candlelight, DIRTY DANCING's origins were counter to novels than generally are the genesis for Broadway productions.

It is based in large part on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein's own childhood. Daughter of a Jewish doctor from New York, she spent summers with her family in the Catskills, participated in "Dirty Dancing" competitions, and was herself nicknamed "Baby" as a girl. Bergstein shopped the show for years. As we know, the movie with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey came first. (Grey's dad is Joel Grey). Swayze had had experience with the Joffrey Ballet. Sex therapist Dr. Ruth was offered the part of Mrs. Schmacher but declined when she read that the character was a thief. Too bad. She would have been a trip. "The Time of Your Life" won the Academy Award.

The theatrical production began in Australia and toured to sellout crowds and monstrous reviews for months. Then on to Europe and America.

Opening on Tuesday April 3 at The Playhouse, this dazzling show stays until April 8. I bring this up for in chatting with actor/dancer Erica Philpott, who plays Elizabeth, 5 days in one town is almost a vacation. The tour began in Folsom CA on Oct 6 and concludes in Atlantic City in early July. Yet there are many one-nighters. 4/22 - Butte MT; 4/23 - Idaho Falls ID; 4/24 -Missoula MT; 4/25 - Kennewick WA; 4/26 - Spokane WA.

I asked Erica, a theatre graduate of U of MD, if the one nighters take a toll. "Initially, yes. We scarcely knew what town we were in. Our schedules were strictly regimented. But once we got in the groove, it all worked out. Everyone in the cast trained for our dream for years and are honored by what we do, so certainly no complaints".

Erica's role, Elizabeth, was added to the theatrical production. "The dancers all have years of training and extensive background in ballet, jazz and tap".

From the looks of the video, these dancers are dynamite. In addition to the iconic "Time of Your Life", the show includes "Do You Love Me" and "Hungry Eyes". Erica says she still gets thrills in the finale when stud muffin Johnny Castle lofts Baby skyward in that fabled moment in time.

April 3 - 8 ThePlayhouseonRodneySquare 302.888.0200

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