A perennial favourite, 'Dirty Dancing', the musical taken from the classic film from the 1980's, has come to Manchester again. Only this time, it is a new production from a new company. Ladies, do not fret however; this show still delivers everything you come for: A bare-chested Chippendale-esque hunk, a little sex and a lot of smooching, and a bare bottom. And the classic final dance to, '(I've Had) The Time Of My Life' including, of course, that lift, are still very much a part of this iconic denouement.
Other than that though, this is a bare-bones version of the show. The set - one of the most minimlist and unsuccessful sets I've ever seen for a Number 1 tour - doesn't inspire or indeed work. The scene changes are so swift (too quick actually), that the sets (and cast) intermingle with each other and we don't know which performer is in which location: indeed, unless you have seen the film or are very familiar with the story, you wouldn't have a clue what some of the locations were meant to be in the first place.
Where the film is a Romantic Drama (with a little comedy to ensure it doesn't get too heavy); this stage Musical is a Romantic Comedy. The main storyline, which is actually very serious and heart-wrenching, seemed to have been given little importance, and instead emphasised the comedic elements of cameo characters. In fact, despite having seen the film several times and seen various versions of the stage Musical, I was still having difficulty keeping up with the story in this show.
Furthermore, the LX and FX was a little erratic this evening too. Spotlights were late, didn't find their mark, and were too small; lighting cues changed too early, and the sound levels were too loud for much of the show too.
Furthermore, the LX and FX was a little erratic this evening too. Spotlights were late, didn't find their mark, and were too small; lighting cues changed too early, and the sound levels were too loud for much of the show too.
The highlights of this particular show for me were Kira Malou's interpretation of the lead role of Baby. She had just the right amount of upper-classness at the start, as well as made a rather convincing (if comedic) novice dancer, and her character arc from there to the end of the show was intelligently measured and extremely pleasing. Penny's (Carly Milner) dancing was superb, and I really enjoyed Samuel Bailey singing 'In The Still Of The Night' as his character, Billy.
The audience absolutely loved the show this evening, shouting ad libs to the cast and whooping along to all the sexual bits; screaming with delight as Johnny (Michael O'Reilly) took his shirt off. If you don't want to think too hard and just be blown away by some great choreography, good singing, and lots of sexual gyrating, then this is most definitely the show for you!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
The audience absolutely loved the show this evening, shouting ad libs to the cast and whooping along to all the sexual bits; screaming with delight as Johnny (Michael O'Reilly) took his shirt off. If you don't want to think too hard and just be blown away by some great choreography, good singing, and lots of sexual gyrating, then this is most definitely the show for you!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 28.9.21
No comments:
Post a Comment