Lonny Price-Directed National Tour of DIRTY DANCING Set to Launch in August 2026

A new Equity national tour of Dirty Dancing is scheduled to launch in August 2026, according to a recently released audition notice for the production.

The tour is being produced by Path Entertainment Group and Lionsgate Global Products & Experiences. The stage musical is based on the 1987 film, with original screenplay and book by Eleanor Bergstein. 

Lonny Price will direct the touring production, with Matt Cowart serving as associate director. Choreography will be by Darrell Grand Moultrie, with music supervision and arrangements by Joseph Joubert.

BroadwayWorld previously reported that a Lonny Price-directed stage adaption of the movie was eyeing a Broadway run last year. Price has a history with Dirty Dancing, having played Neil Kellerman in the original film.

Alchemy Production Group is listed as the general manager for the tour. Casting is being handled by The TRC Company, with Claire Burke, CSA, and Peter Van Dam, CSA named as casting directors.

Dirty Dancing: The Musical will bring a fresh creative approach to the timeless love story that captured the hearts of millions around the world. Set against the backdrop of the summer of 1963, Dirty Dancing follows the journey of Frances "Baby" Houseman and dance instructor Johnny Castle as they navigate love, passion, and personal growth. The original film celebrates themes of empowerment, independence, and the joy of dance – elements that will be present in the new stage adaptation.

A previous announcement for the show noted the new production will deliver iconic moments, unforgettable songs, and electrifying dance sequences, while reimagining key elements of the story to resonate with today's theatregoers. It noted fans can expect new choreography and staging concepts, and teased new songs.