LIONSGATE’S NEW PRODUCTION OF DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL TO LAUNCH NORTH AMERICAN TOUR THIS AUGUST
Lionsgate, in conjunction with Showpath Entertainment Limited and Magic Hour Productions, announced today that Dirty Dancing: The Musical - a new stage production of the beloved film Dirty Dancing - will launch a North American Tour this August at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, MN. The show will be directed by Tony Award® nominee, Obie Award® winner, and two-time Emmy Award® winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd), who played Neil Kellerman in the original Dirty Dancing film, with choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie (Fat Ham, Beyonce’s World Tour). Bringing to the stage the celebrated story from Eleanor Bergstein—the original screenwriter of the film—the musical captures the pulse, romance, and youthful urgency that have defined Dirty Dancing for nearly four decades. This follows Lionsgate’s announcement that the Dirty Dancing sequel—from Hunger Games producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson and starring Jennifer Grey—will begin production this year. Additional tour cities, casting, and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
With a fresh creative approach to the timeless love story, the production aims to reconnect audiences with the heart, heat, and rebellious spirit that made Dirty Dancing a worldwide phenomenon. “This is a story that continues to resonate across generations. We are excited to bring audiences back to Kellerman’s in afresh, powerful new production under the direction of Lonny Price,” said David Hutchinson, CEO of The Path Entertainment Group, and Nathan Brine, Director of Live Stage Productions. “This story awakened a generation, and returning to it with a new creative lens has been inspiring. We’re confident this production will thrill longtime fans while bringing new audiences into the world of Kellerman’s.”
“Dirty Dancing is a very special and beloved property,” said Jenefer Brown, President of Global Products & Experiences at Lionsgate. “The themes of empowerment, courage, and coming-of-age that captivated a global fanbase 40 years ago resonate just as strongly today as Dirty Dancing continues to grow and expand its audience around the world. This new live production honors that emotional legacy and the movie’s nostalgia while inviting audiences to experience the story with a renewed immediacy and excitement.”
Writer Eleanor Bergstein shared, “In the years after I wrote and co-produced the original film Dirty Dancing, I was grateful and astonished by the generations of audiences who responded with open hearts to the themes of honor and courage beneath the surface. Years later, sensing our audiences wanted to ‘be there’ while the story was happening, I wrote and co-produced a stage show. Its reception all over the world exceeded my sweetest dreams. I am happy to revisit the show with my old friend Lonny Price by my side.”
Set against the unforgettable summer of 1963, Dirty Dancing: The Musical follows Frances “Baby” Houseman as she discovers love, passion, and independence through her relationship with charismatic dance instructor Johnny Castle. The new production will deliver electrifying choreography, iconic scenes, the timeless songs audiences cherish, and the irresistible energy of the summer that changed everything.
Dirty Dancing is an enduring cultural phenomenon that began with an iconic film that grossed over $200million at the worldwide box office and subsequently launched two multiplatinum soundtrack albums, numerous #1 hit singles, won an Academy Award® for Best Original Song and a Grammy® Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, spawned a television series, multiple competition reality shows, a prequel film, a stage production with sold-outperformances around the world, a made-for-television musical adaptation, and an upcoming untitled Lionsgate sequel film. The original film is one of Lionsgate’s all-time best-selling library titles. This new tour aims to honor that legacy while reinventing the live experience for a new era.
Dirty Dancing: The Musical features a book by Eleanor Bergstein (original screenwriter of the film) and live music from the original film. The production is directed by Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd), with choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie (Fat Ham, Beyonce’s World Tour).
The creative team includes set design by Brett J. Banakis, costume design by two-time Tony Award® winner Linda Cho, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Tony Award® winner Kai Harada, video design by David Bengali, and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe. Casting is by The TRC Company / Claire Burke, CSA & Peter Van Dam, CSA, with music supervision and arrangements by Joseph Joubert. Alchemy Production Group serves as General Manager.
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