Dirty Dancing

[PDS1amm]

It’s a time of monumental change in the Catskill Mountains – well not quite but changes have certainly taken place and not just to the cast.

One of my few disappointments in the past was the production’s story line relying on a series of favourite sayings. On my latest visit I find the story has assumed greater significance and while the maxims are still an important factor, continuity and coherence are enhanced. Star personalities have receded so that all the characters draw us into 1963 America. The audience were totally immersed in the story even though we know it so well. No fidgeting and whilst the emotional responses were still present you could feel people hanging on every word.

and ... it had no sooner started than it was the interval and then we were into the closing numbers in what seemed like no time at all.

Martin Harvey is a superb dancer, talented and full of vitality. He may not be the greatest actor ever but his performance is top quality. Some of his moves are electric and his facial expressions and sincerity add credence to his role. Listening to chat during the interval and at the end I wasn’t alone in my opinion – I didn’t hear a dissenting voice.

No Leanne Rowe yet but Emma Woods performed brilliantly as ‘Baby’.

Nadia Coote IS ‘Penny’ giving yet another stunning performance and Chris Holland has developed the role of ‘Billy’ as a comical, well-meaning and endearing character. Paul Taylor of the Independent gave special praise for his great falsetto performance of “In The Still Of The Night” in 2006 and this song continues to achieve immense significance in the show although now in a different setting. Richard Lloyd King gives the quality performance that we have come to expect.

Steven Hartley and the remaining members of the family are excellent and John Conroy and Josie Kidd provide great comedy timing and quality performances as the Schumachers. I could go on but will just say that all of those performing principle parts were great and enhanced the production.

The swing team provide exciting dance to the highest of standards and the singing by the ensemble achieves quality status including outstanding solos.

The final sequence was inspired and produced a spontaneous standing ovation which was extended into the final number with everyone joining in and surely having “The Time ………. ” no I won’t say it but they were!

Many thanks to the whole team of Dirty Dancing for giving us all a wonderful time!!!

[bolton]

[PDS1amm]

Hi Carol

Went on Saturday.