"Dirty Dancing" casting update!

"Dirty Dancing" casting update!

Georgina Rich & Josef Brown have been cast in the leading roles of 'Baby' and 'Johnny' in the stage version of Dirty Dancing, which opens at the Aldwych Theatre 24 Oct 2006, following previews from 29 Sep - booking to 7 April 2007

Further casting to be announced!

Josef Brown , former Principal Dancer with the Australian Ballet, will play Johnny Castle, the object of Baby's affections and brooding dance instructor at the Kellermans Resort where Dirty Dancing is set. Josef's work with the Australian Ballet includes principal roles in Anna Karenina, Madam Butterfly and Nutcracker, as well as principal roles and choreography for the Sydney Dance Company and a piece created especially for him by Stephen Petrinio. He created and developed the role of Johnny in the Australian production of Dirty Dancing, the run of which he recently completed.

Josef Brown said: "Johnny Castle is one of the most exciting characters in one of the best stories that I've ever brought to life on stage. Bringing it to the West End is a real buzz. It feels like everyone is so excited about this show".

British actress Georgina Rich has been cast as Frances 'Baby' Houseman. Training at the London Studio Dance Centre, Georgina recently graduated from RADA. She recently made her West End debut in Joanna Murray-Smith's Honour.

Georgina Rich said: "I am really thrilled to be part of this fantastic production...I am a little nervous but very excited about playing Baby on the West End stage and looking forward to when we start rehearsals."

All the hits from the 80s film, which starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, which includes Do You Love Me?, She's Like The Wind and Time Of My Life, are featured in the stage show along with some new numbers. The story has been re-written for the stage by Eleanor Bergenstein, but includes all of the movies memorable moments and some added scenes as well.

It is directed by James Powell, choreographed by Kate Champion, designed by Stephen Brimson-Lewis, lighting by Tim Mitchell, costumes by Jennifer Irwin, sound by Bobby Aitken, and musical supervisor is Conrad Helfrich.

Produced by Jacobsen Entertainment and Karl Sydow in association with Lions Gate Films and Eleanor Bergenstein.

The Houseman's take their vacation at a popular holiday camp, where youngest daughter 'Baby' meets dance teacher from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny. There begins a classic love story through which we see that love can conquer all barriers and we learn that 'nobody puts Baby in the corner'!

This stage version premiered in Australia in 2004.