Dirty Dancing to Have North American Premiere in Toronto

The popular West End hit, Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage, will have its North American premiere next fall at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre. Performances begin October 31, 2007 with opening night set for November 15, 2007. The creative team from the West End production, including director James Powell and choreographer Kate Champion, will recreate the show in Toronto.

Adapted by Eleanor Bergstein, the author/co-producer of the classic movie version, Dirty Dancing, is set at a Catskills summer camp in 1963, and plays out the budding romance between a rich visitor, Frances "Baby" Houseman Jennifer Grey in the film and a dance instructor at the camp, Johnny Castle originally played by Patrick Swayze. With unforgettable songs like "Hungry Eyes," the Academy Award-winning "I've had the Time of My Life," and classics like "Do You Love Me?" Dirty Dancing is a pop culture icon.

Casting for the musical has yet to be announced, though a Canada-wide casting search is underway. More audition details will be announced shortly.