London theater critics have given mixed reviews to the West End revival of Dirty Dancing, based on the 1987 film. The musical had its stage premiere in 2004 at Sydney’s Theatre Royal and opened on the West End in 2006, returning there in 2013. The creative team for the current production includes Eleanor Bergstein (book), Federico Bellone (direction), Austin Wilks (choreography), Valerio Tiberi (lights), Armando Vertullo (sound), and Jennifer Irwin (costumes). The cast incldues Michael O’Reilly (Johnny Castle), Kira Malou (Frances “Baby” Houseman), Carlie Milner (Penny Johnson), Lynden Edwards (Jake Houseman), Lori Hayley Fox (Mrs. Houseman), Lizzie Ottley (Lisa Houseman), and Colin Charles (Tito Suarez). The show is booking at the Dominion Theatre through April 16.
London Theatre (Marianka Swain): To its credit, this Dirty Dancing … thoroughly understands its audience. While some screen-to-stage transfers make significant changes or updates, this is a firmly sealed time capsule. … On the other hand, it’s a peculiar beast of a stage show. Retaining the movie’s exact structure, with lots of short scenes and location changes, makes the action feel rushed. … But the show kicks into high gear during the exhilarating dance numbers. Choreographer Austin Wilks transfers the movie’s terrific routines with panache and adds some flashy, rhythmic original sections. 3 out of 5 stars.
Londonist (Franco Milazzo): Less a movie-to-stage adaptation and more like a jukebox musical, Dirty Dancing is unmissable for fans of the ultimate girls-night-in movie. For everyone else? Not so much. … Those who haven’t seen the original 1987 sleeper hit may struggle to follow what plot there is here; writer Eleanor Bergstein has taken the movie’s most memorable scenes and strung them together like a greatest hits album with barely a toe-flick in the way of exposition or characterisation. Where this show excels in spades is in the casting of leads. … Ultimately, Bergstein knows her audience and delivers them the goods in this faithful but flawed production.
Theatre Weekly (Nicola Barrett): Are you ready to have the time of your life? … Dirty Dancing is seriously something special. … Be prepared for the sheer electrifying atmosphere, the air that is thick with proverbial hormones, and an audience rabid with enthusiasm. … The entire cast and production team deserve the highest of praise, particularly the vocal talent. … However, it was pretty clear who stole the entire audience’s hearts, if the screaming and giggling from the stalls was anything to go on, and that was Michael O’Reilly’s Johnny. … A commanding presence on stage, O’Reilly’s performance is the pièce de résistance to an already amazing show. 5 out of 5 stars.
The Upcoming (Michael Higgs): With nice choreography, pretty set designs and a few great songs, Dirty Dancing seems to be a neat show on the surface. … Sadly, its plot is as lightweight as a peanut and contains no more substance now than it did in 1987. Beyond its shiny exterior, viewers are left with an abyss of tired, idealised nonsense, yearning for a past that never really existed. … Thankfully, some of the music is enjoyable, especially when performed by Colin Charles as Tito Suarez. … Die-hard fans of the movie might be pleased, but others may wish to find different entertainment. 2 out of 5 stars.
WhatsOnStage (James FitzGerald): Singing takes a backseat compared to other musicals, and dialogue is a bit pedestrian; the story instead taking shape through dazzling dance routines. … Often, though, the couple’s relationship feels less like a passionate affair and more like a professional on Strictly Come Dancing politely trying to show an amateur how to waltz. … The show is more concerned with the flashy show-stopping scenes such as the joyful ending, when a talented dance ensemble and (somewhat under-maximised) band fill the stage alongside the key performers. Fun and straightforward — in those moments, Dirty Dancing seldom puts a foot wrong. 3 out of 5 stars.