A new stage musical adaptation of Dirty Dancing is officially hitting the road this summer, with a North American tour launching in August at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The production will be directed by Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Company) and choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie, whose recent work includes Broadway’s Fat Ham and Beyoncé’s world tour.
Titled Dirty Dancing: The Musical, the new adaptation features a book by Eleanor Bergstein, who also penned the original 1987 film. The production will include live performances of the film’s iconic songs, reimagined for the stage.
The announcement comes from producers Lionsgate, in partnership with Showpath Entertainment Limited and Magic Hour Productions. It follows Lionsgate’s recent reveal that a Dirty Dancing film sequel is in development from Hunger Games producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with Jennifer Grey set to star and production expected to begin later this year.
While tour cities, casting, and additional dates have yet to be announced, sources close to the production say an eventual Broadway landing is being eyed. The new version is also being described as offering “a fresh creative approach” to the story first told in the beloved 1987 film, which starred Grey opposite the late Patrick Swayze.
The creative team includes:
- Set Design: Brett J. Banakis
- Costume Design: Linda Cho
- Lighting Design: Japhy Weideman
- Sound Design: Kai Harada
- Video Design: David Bengali
- Hair & Wig Design: Charles G. LaPointe
A previous touring stage adaptation of Dirty Dancing debuted in 2014 and was directed by James Powell.
More details on casting and the full tour schedule are expected in the coming months.