'Dirty Dancing' Debuts in Toronto Tonight, Oct.31

The North American Premiere of Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage begins performances today, Wednesday October 31, 2007, at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, in Toronto, following triumphant openings in London, Germany and Australia.

Written by Eleanor Bergstein, writer and co-producer of the phenomenally successful film, "Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage is a coming of age love story involving the talented and headstrong dancer Johnny Castle and Frances 'Baby' Houseman. During her family's summer holiday at the popular Kellerman's resort, Baby, a doctor's daughter with dreams of joining the Peace Corps, meets Johnny, the guy from the wrong side of the tracks. Against all odds, they fall in love, learning life-changing lessons along the way. Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage, follows the highs and lows of their summer romance," describe press notes.

With unforgettable songs like "Hungry Eyes," the Academy Award-winning "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" and classics like "Do You Love Me?" Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage is a popular culture icon.

Jake Simons stars as Johnny Castle, Monica West is Frances 'Baby' Houseman and Britta Lazenga is Penny.

They are joined by Al Sapienza as Baby's father, Dr. Jake Houseman, Victoria Adilman as her mother Majorie and Natalie Krill as her sister Lisa. Victor A. Young plays Max Kellerman, namesake of the resort at which the iconic story is set, with Adel Gigantes as Vivian, Eric Fink as Mr. Schumacher, Dylan Trowbridge as Neil Kellerman, Kent Sheridan as Moe Pressman, Tee Jay and Rudy Webb as Tito Suarez, Ben Mingay as Billy, Jeffrey Wetsch as Robbie, Tyler Murree as Stan and Joyce Krenz as Mrs. Schumacher.

The ensemble includes Michelle Black, Lydia Bouchard, Karen Burthwright, Peter Buzny, Christopher Compton, Diana Diaz, Milda Gecaite, Ryan Gifford, Elizabeth Gordon, Bryan Hindle, Jodi McFadden, Sarah Murphy-Dyson, Tammy Nera, Jesse Robb, Jaz Sealey, Jason Sermonia, Jivaro Smith, Christopher Tierney, Michael Torontow, Jonathan Whittaker, Johnny Wright and 2005 "Canadian Idol" winner, Melissa O'Neil.

The Toronto production is staged by writer and creator Eleanor Bergstein, Director James Powell, Choreographer Kate Champion, Musical Supervisor Conrad Helfrich, Set Design Stephen Brimson Lewis, Lighting Design Tim Mitchell, Sound Design Bobby Aitken, Video and Projection Design Jon Driscoll, Costume Design Jennifer Irwin and Latin and Ballroom Choreographer Craig Wilson.

Tickets can be purchased by phone through TicketKing at 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333, online through www.mirvish.com and in-person at the Royal Alexandra Theatre Box Office at 260 King Street West.

Photo by: Steve Stober Photography

Monica West (Frances 'Baby' Houseman) and Jake Simons (Johnny Castle)