Review: Mirvish's STRICTLY BALLROOM is a High Energy Night of Theatre and Dance

Mirvish's North American premiere opened in Toronto this week to thunderous applause by audience members taken in by the shimmering, sparkly, cut-throat world of Ballroom dance.

Strictly Ballroom is "the inspiring story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart. It features break-into-song numbers such as Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time, as well as several wonderful new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect."

Based on the hit film of the same name, the musical tells the story of Scott Hastrings (Sam Lips) who just wants to dance - his own way. He meets a kindred spirit in his new partner Fran (Gemma Sutton) - and together they overcome all the adversity they face (easily manufactured drama, but fun, nonetheless) to dance together.

It's not high drama - and when the stakes are high you'll find yourself laughing. But fans of Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and the original film will definitely have a fantastic night out.

All the performances are good, but without any standouts. Though the dancing should be the star of the evening, numbers were hit or miss - with large group numbers being entertaining but couple solos often feeling overplayed and a little long.

With stunning design, costumes, and show-stopping numbers such as the Pasadoble, Strictly Ballroom is definitely worth checking out for all the dance lovers out there.

Strictly Ballroom is on stage through June 25th. Visit Mirvish.com.

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