FREEZE FRAME: DIRTY DANCING Meets the Press; Show Opens 7/4

By Precious Lee Cundangan

A dance movie about first love, independence, and star-crossed lovers had never been so sultry and sexy until Jennifer Grey and the late Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze's smoldering dance moves and "iconic lift" in Eleanor Bergstein's cult classic "Dirty Dancing" in the late '80s.

Manila, Philippines, March 15, 2013 -- Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Hi-Definition Radio Inc., and Concertus Manila, the team that brought mega-musicals "The Phantom of the Opera," "Mamma Mia," and "Cats" to Manila, open the screen-to-stage adaptation of "Dirty Dancing" at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Thursday, July 4 (22 performances only).

The play with music stars Bryony Whitfield (Peter Toerien's "Cats," "The Phantom of the Opera") as Frances "Baby" Houseman; Gareth Bailey ("Dirty Dancing" - UK Tour, "Starlight Express" - UK Tour) as Johnny Castle; and Mila de Biaggi ("Headshots," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love") as Penny Johnson.

The production features 26 cast members that sing 55 songs accompanied by an eight-person live band; 73 set changes; 257 costume changes; and 200 moving lights supported by 152 LED panels.

For tickets, visit Ticketworld.com.ph or call (632) 891-9999.

Visa (credit, debit, and prepaid) cardholders can avail of 10 percent discount until Sunday, March 31.

Photo by Jory Rivera