London Hit Dirty Dancing to Open in Toronto in Nov. '07

Following successful openings in London, Germany and Australia, David and Ed Mirvish, by arrangement with Jacobsen Entertainment, in association with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions, will present the North American premiere of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage written by Eleanor Bergstein, the author and co-producer of the movie Dirty Dancing.

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will begin preview performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on October 31, with the official opening set for November 15, 2007.

The Toronto production will be staged by the same creative team as the London production, headed by director James Powell and choreographer Kate Champion.  A Canada-wide casting search for the Toronto production of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is underway. More audition details will be announced shortly.

"With unforgettable songs like 'Hungry Eyes,' the Academy Award-winning '(I've Had) the Time of My Life,' and classics like 'Do You Love Me?' Dirty Dancing is a popular culture icon," as the show is described in press materials.  "It is a coming of age love story involving the talented and headstrong dancer Johnny Castle and Frances 'Baby' Houseman.  During her family's summer holiday at the popular Kellerman's resort, Baby, a doctor's daughter with dreams of joining the Peace Corps, meets Johnny, the guy from the wrong side of the tracks.  Against all odds, they fall in love, learning life-changing lessons along the way.  Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, follows the highs and lows of their summer romance."

"It was the immense open heartedness and joyful response of fans which finally convinced me to do the Dirty Dancing stage musical," says writer and creator Eleanor Bergstein.  "Since people saw the movie over and over and over again, I decided what they really wanted was to be there when it was happening.  The stage offers the opportunity to have it live, now, and have more."

Producer Kevin Jacobsen added,  "Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is the fastest-selling show in British theatrical history.  When we opened at the Aldwych Theatre on October 24, 2006, we had a record advance sale for a West End musical, and we were fortunate enough to receive great reviews."  

The show will mark the Alexandra Theatre's 100th anniversary.

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will be the anchor show of the 2007-2008 Mirvish Subscription Season.  The other shows in the Subscription Season will be announced on January 30, 2007, at which time current subscribers will be able to renew their seats and new subscribers will be able to secure the best available seats, before single tickets are made available to the general public on April 16, 2007.  Group sales to Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage are now available.

Visit www.dirtydancingtoronto.ca for more information.