DIRTY DANCING to Play Cape Town's Artscape Opera House, Now thru March 3

Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Artscape Opera House began previews from 18 January, and the production opens tonight, 26 January, running through 3 March, 2013.

Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs performed by a rocking live band, including "Hungry Eyes", "Hey Baby", "Do You Love Me?" and the heart-stopping "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life."

DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is a re-imagining of the film, adapted for the stage by the same woman who brought it to the big screen in 1987, Eleanor Bergstein. DIRTY DANCING touched the hearts of audiences when they first saw the film, one of the greatest dance movies ever made, launching the careers of Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. All the excitement and success of this blockbuster is about to strike again when DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE hits South African stages.

It's the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances 'Baby' Houseman (Bryony Whitfield) is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday at a resort called Kellerman's with her older sister and parents, Baby shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles upon the staff quarters when an all-night dance party is in full swing. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, 'Baby' can't wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle (Gareth Bailey), the resort dance instructor. Baby's life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny's leading lady both on-stage and off with breathtaking consequences.

Produced by Pieter Toerien, Hazel Feldman and Karl Sydow In association with Joye Entertainment, Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions, DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is packed with breathtaking dancing by South Africa's most sexy performers with million dollar costumes and stunning visuals. The production has a cast of 35 who get through 55 songs during 73 scene changes lit by 200 moving lights. Baby alone has 21 costume changes. The cast is supported by 24 production staff with 4 wig girls, a creative team of 10 and 11 in the orchestra pit.

If you loved the film you will adore the stage version! Appealing to young and old alike, the well known and loved original movie soundtrack performed and danced to live, makes DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE the hottest ticket in town.

DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE performances are Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm until 19 January only, at the Baxter Theatre, with tickets from R100 to R400 via Computicket.

Pictured: Bryony Whitfield and Gareth Bailey