Spectacular show follows closely original film script (From Salisbury Journal)
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Spectacular show follows closely original film script
4:58pm Wednesday 11th April 2012 in Entertainments
Emily Holt as Frances 'Baby' Houseman and Paul-Michael Jones as Johnny Castle.
DIRTY DANCING, THE MAYFLOWER, SOUTHAMPTON
DIRTY dancing is a sizzling feast of dance and song which guarantees to leave you smiling.
The audience know they’re in for a treat right from the start, as Act 1 bursts into life with The Ronettes’ song Be My Baby.
And the entire show is packed with scores of sing-along classics such as I’ve Had the Time of My Life, Hungry Eyes and Do You Love Me to name but a few.
Written by Eleanor Bergstein, also the author of the film, the show retells the love story which unfolds at Kellerman’s in the summer of ‘63.
Passion and ambition are at the heart of the 80s classic which follows naive Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, brilliantly played by Emily Holt, as she falls for loveable rogue Johnny Castle, the resort’s resident dancer.
The chemistry between the two of them is clear and they are joined by an extremely talented ensemble and a fantastic orchestra.
The revolving stage and back projection are used to great effect, particularly during the forest and water scenes.
The show is very close to the original film as the script is largely followed word for word.
The choreography is phenomenal and Penny Johnson, played by Charlotte Gooch, really steals the show.
Tito Suarez, played by Colin Charles, was brilliant and the vocals were impressive throughout.
Baby’s sister Lisa Houseman was played by Emilia Williams, who studied at South Wilts Grammar School and danced with Salisbury Dance Studios.
At times her character was hilarious, particularly in Act 2 during her rendition of Lisa’s Hula.
Another notable performance came from Billy, played by Liam Marcellino, who was also a student at Salisbury Dance Studios.
Leading up to the spectacular finale, Johnny comes up through the stalls, much to the audience’s delight, to tell his would be father-in-law: “Nobody puts Baby in the corner”.
The show then finishes with an excellent performance from the lead characters and the all-important lift that Baby has been working towards throughout the show.
It’s high-energy, fun and just brilliant.
Hannah White
* Dirty Dancing runs at The Mayflower until Saturday, April 28.
