Through March 22, 2015
Connor Palace, PlayhouseSquare, 216-241-6000
Bob Abelman
When the dancing stops and the dry ice settles, it is clear that “Dirty Dancing” is merely a color-by-number musical whose fanatical devotion to the duplication of the movie's storyline and cinematic sensibilities
is more disorienting and disappointing than engaging.
To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's CJN article here:
http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/bob_abelman/
Roy Berko
If you go to see DIRTY DANCING THE CLASSIC STORY
ON STAGE expecting the emotional and sensual overload that many experienced
from the film, you will be very disappointed. The only way to watch this touring production is to sit
back, take the unspectacular staging, the mediocre acting and dancing, and soap
opera story for what it is. The
opening night audience slowly got to its feet as the curtain call
proceeded. Was the show that
good? No, but take into
consideration this is Cleveland.
Cleveland, the home of
polite people who stand at the end of almost every show, deserving or
not.
Kerry Clawson
The 1987 film "Dirty Dancing" captured viewers' hearts and imaginations with its incredible dancing and the undeniable chemistry of its stars — Patrick Swayze as Johnny and Jennifer Grey as Baby. "Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage" tries to keep the love going but fell flat Wednesday night at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. That’s because Gillian Abbott, who just assumed the role of Baby for the Cleveland run, and swing Josh Drake, filling in as Johnny for Samuel Pergande who’s suffering from a hand injury, had very little chemistry together Wednesday night.
To see a full review of this show, read Kerry Clawson's review here.
Mark Horning
While any opinion will do little to change the
guaranteed sellout that this production will enjoy, go see this badly acted
show for the music and some dance but don’t expect to be wowed.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's blog.Christine Howey
Dirty Dancing is a hybrid musical that gives you more than your money’s worth in terms of visual and auditory pizzazz. And, you know, it has the iconic bits: "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" and the swan dive lift. But if you’re looking for the unvarnished heart of the original, you can find that on Netflix.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
Andrea Simakis
"Dirty Dancing" onstage is as critic-proof as the
flick was when it opened in theaters nearly 30 years ago. (For the record, this
reviewer has been known to draw the shades, ignore phone calls and abandon
dinner plans upon encountering a "Dirty Dancing" cable marathon.)
Art Thomas
You'll see some great dancing, with duplications of the poses and images from the movie. There's the addition of two key songs given to a pair of feisty singers. The plot line remains thin and the cartoonish nature of the show indicates that no one takes it too seriously....which is how it should be.
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife
