Entertainment and Music Events

Dirty Dancing Takes the Stage

The Music and Dancing of Dirty Dancing

Alfred Jackson in previous production of Music on the Rock: A Tribute to the Music of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.

Flat Rock Playhouse Presents Dirty Dancing and You Are Invited to Join In

Nearby Lake Lure is where the movie Dirty Dancing, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, was filmed in 1987. This past summer, ABC was in the area filming a remake of this popular film. And now the Music on the Rock (MOTR) concert series at Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown is staging a spectacular production titled The Music and Dancing of Dirty Dancing that will run August 25 through September 4.

Nick Kepley, choreographer of the MOTR presentation, says, “Dirty Dancing has always been one of my all-time favorite movies. It has a fantastic soundtrack and iconic dance sequences.” He says that director Lisa Bryant allowed him to select four talented dancers from New York City to perform in the show.

Produced by The North Carolina Apple Festival (held annually over Labor Day weekend in Hendersonville), MOTR’s The Music and Dancing of Dirty Dancing will include live music by the theatre’s house band: Bill Altman and Ryan Guerra (guitar), Wes Parker (saxophone), Paul Babelay (drums), David Gaines and Charles Holland (bass), and Alex Shields (piano). Alex also serves as the production’s music director.

Singers will be Alfred Jackson, Trista Dollison, and Dustin Brayley. The spectacular dancers will be Anthony Crouchelli, Celia Mei Rubin, Mandie Black, and Clinton Edward.

As a backdrop, there will be projected images from the movie, says director Lisa Bryant. “We always love it when our patrons take the dance floor, so we will leave plenty of opportunities for them to do so,” she adds. “In fact, certain audience members may have the chance to learn a few steps from the pros 30 minutes before the doors open and then dance along…during the performance.” She emphasizes that everyone is encouraged and welcome to dance and play.

The dancers have been rehearsing in New York and then will travel south the week of the premiere to piece it all together, says Nick. “I truly cannot wait to hear that music played live! It will give the performers an incredible energy boost and I think the audience will truly have a blast watching Dirty Dancing come to life before their eyes.”

And what about that iconic lift from the movie? Nick says slyly, “Without giving away all my secrets, I will certainly say that there are aspects of this movie which demand to be seen and honored.”

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with matinees at 2 p.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets are $28 and available by calling the box office at 828.693.0731, toll-free at 866.732.8008, and online at flatrockplayhouse.org. Flat Rock Playhouse is located at 125 S. Main Street in Hendersonville.

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