Lionsgate is bringing the iconic love story of “Dirty Dancing” to the Broadway stage, promising theatergoers the time of their lives. “Dirty Dancing: The Musical” is slated to launch in late 2025, with Broadway aspirations and a North American tour to follow. Plans are in motion to extend the show’s reach to international markets including Asia, Australia, and Latin America.
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Eleanor Bergstein, the original screenwriter behind the beloved 1987 film, is deeply involved in this theatrical adaptation. She is developing the show and penning the musical’s book, ensuring the stage version stays true to the heart of the story while offering a fresh perspective for contemporary audiences. Directing this re-envisioned production is Lonny Price, who has a unique connection to “Dirty Dancing” as he played Neil Kellerman in the movie. Price, a Tony Award nominee for his work in “A Class Act” and “110 in the Shade,” also has Broadway acting experience, originating the role of Charley Kringas in the 1981 production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.”
Reimagining a Classic for the Stage
The original “Dirty Dancing” movie, starring Jennifer Grey as Frances “Baby” Houseman and Patrick Swayze as dance instructor Jonny Castle, captivated audiences worldwide. Set in the summer of 1963 at a resort in the Catskills, New York, the film grossed $214 million globally. Its soundtrack, particularly “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and cemented its place in pop culture. The movie also gifted the world the unforgettable line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
This new “Dirty Dancing Musical” is expected to feature both new musical numbers and reimagined choreography, breathing new life into the familiar story. According to the official press release, the stage show aims to “deliver iconic moments, unforgettable songs, and electrifying dance sequences, while reimagining key elements of the story to resonate with today’s theatregoers.” This suggests a production that honors the original film while innovating for the stage.
A Legacy of Dance and Romance
Over the years, “Dirty Dancing” has spawned several adaptations, indicating its enduring appeal. These include a prequel film, “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights” (2004), the stage musical “Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage” (2004), and a 2017 television remake. Furthermore, a direct sequel film with Jennifer Grey reprising her role as Baby has been in development since 2020, showing the continued interest in this story.
Eleanor Bergstein, who was also involved in “Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage,” expressed immense satisfaction with the previous theatrical adaptation’s reception. “Now we’ve come full circle, and with my old friend Lonny Price by my side, I’m returning to the stage with a reimagined version,” Bergstein stated. “Its hope is to be equal to the new world swirling around us while revisiting more fully and precisely the story I’d wanted to tell when I wrote my first lines. It’s my way of saying thank you to you all.”
Lonny Price added his perspective, promising a production that offers a “deeper, more nuanced version of the characters they fell in love with [in the movie].” He further noted, “Having played Neil in the movie, I know full well the scores of people who have been touched by this story, and for me to return to Kellerman’s and direct this new musical iteration truly is a thrill.”
Producers David Hutchinson and Nathan Brine from The Path Entertainment Group and Showpath Entertainment respectively, emphasized the cultural impact of “Dirty Dancing,” calling the film “a cultural touchstone.” They stated, “We’re honored to be part of its evolution. We’re confident that this new version will surprise and captivate audiences, whether they’re longtime fans or new to the story – in this thrilling and faithful retelling on stage.”
“Dirty Dancing: The Musical” joins other Lionsgate properties being adapted for the stage, including “La La Land,” “Wonder,” and “The Hunger Games,” highlighting the studio’s commitment to expanding its popular titles into live experiences. Jenefer Brown, Executive VP at Lionsgate, remarked, “‘Dirty Dancing’ continues to be one of the most enduring and impactful titles in Lionsgate’s library. We’re thrilled to create a live experience that honors the cultural significance and storytelling magic of the original film while inviting a new generation to fall in love with ‘Dirty Dancing.’”
With its blend of iconic moments, beloved characters, and exciting new elements, the “Dirty Dancing musical” is poised to be a must-see theatrical event when it arrives on Broadway in 2025.
