Review of the stage production of Dirty Dancing

by Debra Ross

Dirty Dancing is the RBTL Auditorium Theatre's last show of their 2015-2016 season. I took Ella, my 15-year-old, on Tuesday evening. I'm thrilled to report: Patrick Swayze is not turning over in his grave. If you're a child of the '80s, loved the movie, and want to relive the experience and share it with your teens (and maybe some mature preteens, if they love dancing), this is the show for you.

I know, I know, how often does it turn out well when someone makes a musical of a movie? Either it doesn't translate well to the stage or you find jarring scene additions that you didn't expect or alterations of the music. Well, this show is the exception. You're expecting the story of Baby and Johnny, you're expecting to hear 'Hungry Eyes" and "I Had the Time of My Life," you're expecting to be inspired with amazing dancing... and that's exactly what will happen.

Ella and I have been looking forward to this show since the March 2015 announcement that the tour was coming to town, and we weren't disappointed. It was a bonding moment for the two of us. Yes, there is some mild foul language, and allusions to premarital sex and abortion. As long as that's okay with you and your teen, you're in for a wonderful night of the best dancing you've seen on stage this season.

Dirty Dancing

Rochester Broadway Theatre League's Auditorium Theatre
May 10-15, 2016
As of May 12, limited tickets are still available for most shows. Get them here.

2016, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Debra Ross is publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com.