Photo Flash: DIRTY DANCING Writer Eleanor Bergstein Joins Opening Curtain Call at the National Theatre

Eleanor Bergstein, who wrote the screenplay for the iconic film DIRTY DANCING as well as the book for the stage production, was recognized during the curtain call on the opening night of DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE at National Theatre on Tuesday, September 2. The show plays the National Theatre through September 14 before embarking on a 30-city North American tour. As she joined the cast on stage, Bergstein said, "We are so excited to launch our national tour in the nation's capital." Scroll down for photos!

Samuel Pergande and Jillian Mueller star as Johnny Castle and Frances "Baby" Houseman. Pergande and Mueller lead a company of 26 that also includes Doug Carpenter (Billy Kostecki, Singer), Jerome Harmann-Hardeman (Tito Suarez), Caralyn Kozlowski (Marjorie Houseman), Jesse Liebman (Neil Kellerman), Gary Lynch (Max Kellerman), Herman Petras (Mr. Schumacher), Emily Rice (Lisa Houseman), Mark Elliot Wilson (Dr. Jake Houseman) and Jenny Winton (Penny Johnson). The ensemble comprises John Antony, Rachel Boone, Amanda Brantley, Jon Drake, Josh Drake, Sam Edgerly, Rashaan James, II, Joshua Keith, Alexandra Matteo, Kevin Munhall, Phoebe Pearl, Virginia Preston, Michael Thomas Pugliese, Jennlee Shallow and Nicole Spencer.

The production's book is written by Eleanor Bergstein and the North American tour will be directed by James Powell, with choreography by Michele Lynch based on the original choreography by Kate Champion. The creative team also includes Stephen Brimson Lewis (set design), Tim Mitchell (lighting design), Jennifer Irwin (costume design), Bobby Aitken (sound design), Jon Driscoll (video and projection design), Bernie Ardia (hair design), Conrad Helfrich (music supervisor and orchestrations), and Alan Plado (music director).

Dirty Dancing -- The Classic Story On Stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this timeless love story features the hit songs "Hungry Eyes," "Hey Baby," "Do You Love Me?" and the heart-stopping "(I''ve Had) The Time Of My Life."

It's the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances 'Baby'' Houseman is on vacation in New York''s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents. Mesmerized by the racy dance moves and pounding rhythms she discovers in the resort''s staff quarters, Baby can''t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle, the resort''s sexy dance instructor. Passions ignite and Baby''s life changes forever when she is thrown in to the deep end as Johnny''s leading lady, both on-stage and off.

Ticket prices start at $48 plus applicable service charges, and are on sale now and available at the National Theatre box office, online at thenationaldc.com, or by calling (800) 514-3849. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling (855) 486-2516. For more information, call (202) 628-6161. For more information, visit us.dirtydancingontour.com.

Photo Credit: Daniel Swartz