DIRTY DANCING CAST ANNOUNCED

Producer John Frost today (September 29, 2014) announced cast members for the new Australian production of Dirty Dancing, which will play at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 28 November this year, followed by Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 4 March 2015 and the Lyric Theatre, QPAC from 27 May.

Two young talents will make the leap from chorus to leading roles as the two iconic characters in this musical production. The role of charismatic dance teacher Johnny Castle will be played by Kurt Phelan while the role of innocent young “Baby” Houseman will be played by Kirby Burgess.

A NIDA graduate, Kurt Phelan is an actor, choreographer and writer. His musical theatre credits include Singin’ in the Rain, Witches of Eastwick, Saturday Night Fever and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Kurt told Stage Whispers he hasn’t been able to keep the smile off his face.

“It makes me so proud to be able to play Johnny. I’ve known for a few weeks and I haven’t been able to say anything. It’s been killing me,” he said.

“I love Johnny’s resilience. I love that he is very set in his ways, but as soon as he meets someone who challenges him, and he falls in love, he’s willing to change. I think that’s a perfect quality.

“I’ve never thought of myself as ‘sexy’, but I’m really looking forward to exploring that side.”

Kirby Burgess, currently appearing in LOVEBiTES at the Hayes Theatre Co, has also been seen on stage in Sweet Charity, An Officer and A Gentleman, Hairspray, High School Musical – Live on Stage and recently took over the role of Rizzo for the Perth season of Grease. On television she has appeared in Wonderland.

“Both Kurt and I have understudied, and worked so hard, and this announcement, this day, will be one that I will remember for my whole life,” says Kirby. “It’s the first time that I’ve been announced as a lead, something that I’ve worked toward my whole life. I’m proud. I’m proud of myself, I’m proud of us, I’m proud of GFO for taking a chance on me, because this is my first lead, and I feel really lucky that I’m being given this opportunity. My family and I will remember this day for the rest of our lives.”

Kurt and Kirby join previously announced cast member, young classical music singer Mark Vincent in his musical theatre debut as Billy Kostecki, Johnny’s cousin.

In other casting, Baby’s father Jake will be played by Adam Murphy, and her older sister Lisa will be Teagan Wouters. Hotel owner Max Kellerman will be Mike Bishop and Neil Kellerman will be Gabriel Brown making his professional debut. In the role of Mr Schumacher is Barry Mitchell and Tito Suarez will be portrayed by Eric Rasmussen. The ensemble will include Erinn Arnel, Kyla Bartholomeusz, Charles Bartley, Aaron James Campbell, Amy Campbell, Anna Freeland, Kim Hudman, Elysha Manik, Sam Marks, James Maxfield, Chris Ostrenski, Hannah Stanton and Mitchell Woodcock.

“We have assembled an exceptional cast for this 10th Anniversary production of Dirty Dancing,” said John Frost. “The local and overseas creative teams were very impressed with the talent during the audition process, and our Australian cast is second to none. I’m thrilled to give Kirby and Kurt their first lead roles in a musical – they are certainly musical theatre stars of the future.

“Dirty Dancing is a wonderful Australian success story. The stage musical gave audiences the chance to hear the songs from the hit film performed live and to experience the breathtaking dance routines. People flocked to it, breaking records all around the world. Now, ten years after the World Premiere in Sydney, it returns home to where the magic began with a sensational new cast, and audiences can again have the Time Of Their Lives.”

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17 year old Frances “Baby” Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains 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 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.

Dirty Dancing features songs including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the iconic (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life. The new production will play at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 28 November this year, then Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from 4 March and the Lyric Theatre, QPAC from 27 May.

dirtydancingaustralia.com

SYDNEY

Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star

Season: From 28 November, 2014

Performance Times: Wed-Sat 8pm, matinees Wed at 1pm and Sat at 2pm, Sunday 1pm and 6pm

Price: Tickets from $59.90*

Bookings:  ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 795 267

Groups 8+ call 1300 889 278

MELBOURNE

Venue:  Princess Theatre

Season: From 4 March, 2015

Bookings: Ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 111 011

Groups 8+ call 1300 889 278

Tickets are on sale September 29

BRISBANE

Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC

Season: From 27 May, 2015

Bookings: qpac.com.au or phone 136 246

Groups 8+ 07 3840 7466

Tickets are on sale September 29

*An additional transaction fee and/or a credit/debit payment processing fee may apply

Photographer: Kurt Sneddon