The story is well known – in 1963, young Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, goes on holiday to the Kellerman resorts in the Catskills, with her parents and sister. There, she falls for dance instructor Johnny Castle, a man who seems totally mis-matched for her in every way. It’s a classic film, with Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze taking the lead roles. (Swayze subsequently became a heartthrob for a whole generation of women.)
In my completely unknowledgeable mind, I imagine that this must be quite a challenge to transfer to stage – but my goodness, they certainly managed it. This show stays extremely faithful to the film (I imagine there would be hell to pay from the audience if it didn’t), and includes all the classic lines and songs.
Roseanna Frascona was adorable as Baby (and looked for all the world like the twin of Jennifer Grey as she appeared in the film), and Gareth Bailey was a wonderful Johnny Castle – the mainly female audience certainly seemed to appreciate him! His dancing was mesmerising; I could have watched him dance for hours. Claire Rogers was terrific as Penny, Johnny’s dance partner – with legs that seemingly go on and on! The rest of the main cast, and the ensemble dancers were also terrific.
This show is sexy, energetic, funny and sweet – and I even had a tear in my eye at the finale. At the performance I attended, the whole audience gave an extended standing ovation, and it was well deserved. I’m already looking to see if I can get tickets for further performances while this show is on tour. Very highly recommended.
(For more information about this production, please click here.)
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Click here for my review of this production from May 2015.
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