Jon Driscoll News

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) launches its exciting 2009-10 season with the U.S. premiere of the runaway U.K. hit, Kneehigh Theatre's groundbreaking production of Noël Coward's Brief Encounter, adapted for the stage by Emma Rice from the words and music of Coward.

Last night Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage welcomed its 5 millionth audience member across all its international productions, at the Aldwych Theatre London. Thirteen cities, across three continents have witnessed the stage sensation that has enjoyed standing ovations worldwide since its premiere in Sydney in 2004.

A new poll conducted by the Cinema Advertising Association has named the 1987 film Dirty Dancing the UK's Number One film of all time, beating off competition from Star Wars and The Lord Of The Rings.

The West Coast premiere of the international stage hit DIRTY DANCING - The Classic Story On Stage will play the Pantages Theatre for a limited engagement, opening Sunday May 10 and running seven weeks through June 28. There are three lower-priced previews on Friday, May 8 at 8p and Saturday, May 9 at 2PM& 8P. The official press opening is Sunday, May 10 at 6P.

Variety reports that Stacy Keach will return to the role of Richard Nixon for three perfs in the national tour of 'Frost/Nixon,' currently onstage at the Ahmanson Theater. After Keach suffered a mild stroke last week, his understudy, Bob Ari, took over the role of the former president in the Peter Morgan-penned play, helmed by Michael Grandage. Ari understudied the role under Frank Langella in the Broadway production.

Stacy Keach, who had been hospitalized earlier today has been diagnosed as having suffered a very mild stroke, according to a statement released by Center Theatre Group, which can be read below.

FOX News is reporting that Stacy Keach has been hospitalized and was replaced by his understudy in a Los Angeles stage production of 'Frost/Nixon.'

The West Coast premiere of the international stage hit DIRTY DANCING - The Classic Story On Stage will play the Pantages Theatre for a limited engagement, opening Sunday May 10 and running seven weeks through June 28. There are three lower-priced previews on Friday, May 8 at 8p and Saturday, May 9 at 2PM& 8P. The official press opening is Sunday, May 10 at 6P.

The winners are being announced as they happen for this year's Laurence Olivier Awards, London's equivalent of the Tonys. The awards, which were created in 1976 were given out on Sunday March 8, 2009 in a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

The Boston Opera House is steamy and rockin' with a supercharged cast of 39, more visual effects than a George Lucas film, and an audience releasing 22 years of pent up lust

On Saturday 14 February 2009 the evening performance of Dirty Dancing will be dedicated to 95.8 Capital FM's Help a London Child charity, which offers support and opportunities as well as raising funds for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people in the capital. Hosting this special event will be 95.8 Capital FM's Drivetime presenter Greg Burns and the station's showbiz reporter Sam Mann. Tickets are on sale now! They are available from Ticketmaster 0844 847 2330 or online at www.DirtyDancingLondon.com. Greg Burns said, ?We're both honoured to be hosting such a special performance of Dirty Dancing in aid of Help a London Child. It's the perfect show to see on Valentine's Day and it's one that the men can enjoy too, whilst donating funds for a great cause.' Jacobsen Entertainment, the producers of Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage added, ?We are delighted to be supporting Help a London Child with our annual Valentine's Gala - an extremely worthwhile cause which is doing so much work for young people in the capital'. With this sensational production now in its third year in London, and with a brand new cast, the Valentine's Day Charity Gala will offer fans of Dirty Dancing the perfect opportunity to see this incredible show while also supporting Help a London Child. Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage has pledged a total of ?40,000 from ticket sales to Help a London Child, and every guest on the night will also receive an exclusive Valentine's Day gift bag!

Broadway Across America tour of acclaimed Donmar Warehouse production is gripping theater that gives a Brit's eye view of a great American tragedy

Nominations have been announced for this year's Laurence Olivier Awards, London's equivalent of the Tonys. The awards, which were created in 1976 will be given out on Sunday March 8, 2009 in a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

On Saturday 14 February 2009 the evening performance of Dirty Dancing will be dedicated to 95.8 Capital FM's Help a London Child charity, which offers support and opportunities as well as raising funds for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people in the capital. Hosting this special event will be 95.8 Capital FM's Drivetime presenter Greg Burns and the station's showbiz reporter Sam Mann. Tickets are on sale now! They are available from Ticketmaster 0844 847 2330 or online at www.DirtyDancingLondon.com. Greg Burns said, ?We're both honoured to be hosting such a special performance of Dirty Dancing in aid of Help a London Child. It's the perfect show to see on Valentine's Day and it's one that the men can enjoy too, whilst donating funds for a great cause.' Jacobsen Entertainment, the producers of Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage added, ?We are delighted to be supporting Help a London Child with our annual Valentine's Gala - an extremely worthwhile cause which is doing so much work for young people in the capital'. With this sensational production now in its third year in London, and with a brand new cast, the Valentine's Day Charity Gala will offer fans of Dirty Dancing the perfect opportunity to see this incredible show while also supporting Help a London Child. Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage has pledged a total of ?40,000 from ticket sales to Help a London Child, and every guest on the night will also receive an exclusive Valentine's Day gift bag!

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage will extend its Chicago engagement to January 17, 2009.

The Old Vic announced a new line up of productions for 2009 that will begin in January with the World Premiere of the new play, COMPLICIT by Joe Sutton and directed in-the-round by Kevin Spacey. Following the hugely successful The Norman Conquests, which runs through to late December 2008, the new program brings further diversity and originality to one of London's oldest theatres.

Daily Variety is reporting that the international stage hit Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage could be making itself a home on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre after current resident Hairspray takes its final bow. While no official plans have been confirmed, inside word is that 'Dancing' looks to be eyeing the space for it's Rialto bow. There is no word on an exact date for a Broadway opening, but insiders predict a Fall 2009 start for the film to stage tuner.

The Old Vic announced a new line up of productions for 2009 that will begin in January with the World Premiere of the new play, COMPLICIT by Joe Sutton and directed in-the-round by Kevin Spacey. Following the hugely successful The Norman Conquests, which runs through to late December 2008, the new program brings further diversity and originality to one of London's oldest theatres.

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage will extend its Chicago engagement to January 17, 2009.

The international stage hit Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage will make its Pre-Broadway East Coast premiere at the Boston Opera House for a limited engagement February 7 through March 15, 2009. Tickets go on sale to the public Sunday, October 5th at 10AM. For full ticketing information please go to the end of this release. Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage is part of the Lexus Boston Area Dealers Broadway Across America - Boston Series.