Dirty Dancing is another Wharton Center Broadaway hit — showcasing triumphant, acrobatically “dirty" dancing set against the backdrop of 1963 and the civil rights movement. The story draws parallels between race prejudice and socioeconomic prejudice, as “Baby” meets sexy dance instructor ”Johnny” from “the wrong side of the tracks” at a fancy Catskills resort. The 1987 movie was a huge box office hit, so this show brings nostalgia for the early 60’s through an 80’s lens. The beautiful projections on the versatile, slatted-panel set enable seamless, realistic, yet fantastical changes of scene that keep the story flowing from amazing dance to amazing dance.
Leads Christopher Tierney and Gillian Abbott are wonderful dancers and bring these iconic characters to life. Jenny Winton, as “Penny” was also a sensational dancer. Much of the music is background, and the plot is NOT advanced through song, as with traditional musicals. The music is there for the dancing — and to bring us back to 1963 with such hits as “This Magic Moment” “Do You Love Me?" "Duke of Earl"… and more. Two great singers are featured: Jennlee Shallow — and I’m not entirely sure who the powerful guy singer was. He sang “In the Still of the Night” and others… but that song is not listed, possibly John Antony…(But he also kind of looked like Sean Rozanski?). Anyway, ALL were terrific dancers and these singers were double threats.
This beautiful piece of nostalgia will bring back the thrills, and some of the tribulations, of 1963, which echo in our culture yet today. It continues through November 15, with two shows on Saturday and Sunday
www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/dirty-dancing
Leads Christopher Tierney and Gillian Abbott are wonderful dancers and bring these iconic characters to life. Jenny Winton, as “Penny” was also a sensational dancer. Much of the music is background, and the plot is NOT advanced through song, as with traditional musicals. The music is there for the dancing — and to bring us back to 1963 with such hits as “This Magic Moment” “Do You Love Me?" "Duke of Earl"… and more. Two great singers are featured: Jennlee Shallow — and I’m not entirely sure who the powerful guy singer was. He sang “In the Still of the Night” and others… but that song is not listed, possibly John Antony…(But he also kind of looked like Sean Rozanski?). Anyway, ALL were terrific dancers and these singers were double threats.
This beautiful piece of nostalgia will bring back the thrills, and some of the tribulations, of 1963, which echo in our culture yet today. It continues through November 15, with two shows on Saturday and Sunday
www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/dirty-dancing
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