Dirty Dancing, The Musical

On Saturday I took my mom to see Dirty Dancing at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles. It was her belated Mothers Day gift.

Truthfully, I had VERY LOW expectations for this show. I loved the movie and did not think that the musical could do the movie justice.

Boy was I wrong!! The musical was AMAZING!!

My background is that I have been involved with theater since I was a sophomore in high school, where I was on Stage Crew. During college, I stage managed, produced, back stage managed, etc... our college theater. I have seen plays and musicals in London, New York, San Francisco, Vegas and LA. I have had a passion for theater for the last 18 years.

Dirty Dancing, the musical, blew me away. It is FOR SURE in the top 5 musicals I have EVER seen. I can not say enough good things about it. And my reaction is NOT unique. Every person I talk to feels the same way, including my mother.

The sets - unbelievable. They were able to employee mediums I had never seen used in such unique ways. The rotating stage gave a three dimensional quality to the performance, that many times is lacking in stage shows. The way that they showed Baby and Johnny in the lake was unexpected and amazing.

The voices - unbelievably good. And strong. And powerful. The musical numbers were enhanced by the voices to the nth degree!

The dancing - WOW!! That is the only way to describe it. The dancing encompassed ballroom and free style. As in the movie, much of the story was told through dance, and what amazing dancing it was!! Maybe the best I have ever seen.

The acting - very good. The actress who plays baby really has the role down pat. The actor who plays Johnny has an AMAZING body. He is a very good actor (aside from trying VERY hard to get the American accent just right).

Overall, I would give the show an unequivocal 10!!

I would urge anyone who can get to the Pantages before the end of June to definitely see this show!!