Forget the notion of theater as a quiet haven. When Johnny Castle delivers the iconic line “Nobody puts Baby in a corner,” the Fisher Theatre erupts in applause. The final moments are pure glee as the audience claps along to “(I’ve Had) the Time of My Life.” Hands fly into the air when Frances “Baby” Houseman soars into the lift that remains one of the most memorable moments in film.
The occasion is opening night of Dirty Dancing: The Musical, a colorful adaptation of the beloved 1987 film playing at the Fisher Theatre through Oct. 18. The movie grossed more than $200 million at the worldwide box office. Now, the musical has launched a national tour, with an eight-month Broadway run set to begin in February 2027 to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary.
Evoking the romantic summer haze of the Catskills in 1963, the set’s wood beams, rotating staircases, and picturesque backdrops strike a balance between lush and rustic. The story follows the steamy connection between Baby, the sheltered daughter of a wealthy doctor, and Johnny, a misunderstood dance instructor at Kellerman’s resort. Alongside their growing attraction, the adaptation explores themes of social divides, independence, and the courage to speak up when it matters most.
What to Expect From the Dirty Dancing Musical Adaptation
Despite a few additions, including a greater focus on the Civil Rights Movement, the musical largely stays true to the film. That’s no surprise: The original screenwriter, Eleanor Bergstein, adapted her own script for the stage. Tony nominee and two-time Emmy winner Lonny Price, who played Neil Kellerman in the film, directs this production. And choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie, who worked on Beyoncé’s 2013 world tour, gives the dance numbers plenty of punch.
Featuring hits from the film’s multiplatinum soundtrack, including “Do You Love Me?” and “Hungry Eyes,” the show serves up a heaping helping of nostalgia. The lively choreography captures a time when hip gyration was cause for scandal. Annalese Starzec (Baby) and Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny) exude chemistry as their dance rehearsals give way to a sultry summer fling.
And from a few rows back, Starzec is a dead ringer for the film’s lead, Jennifer Grey.
Highlights include Lily Kren’s comedic, off-key talent show performance as Baby’s sister, Lisa, and Ethan Peterson’s soft crooning as Johnny’s cousin, Billy. He shares the final number (which won the 1988 Academy Award for best original song) with his love interest, Elizabeth (Ashley LaLonde) — a character created for the stage.
Ties to Michigan and More Dirty Dancing
The production also features local talent. Garden City native and Wayne State University graduate Jason Richards plays Moe, a Kellerman’s guest whose wallet Johnny is accused of stealing. University of Michigan alum Marcus Byers Jr. stands ready to jump into the ensemble as a swing and understudy. And Alan D. Knight, who grew up in St. John and attended Western Michigan University, serves as production stage manager.
Lionsgate recently announced that a Dirty Dancing sequel, with Grey reprising her role as Baby, will soon begin production. The original film remains one of the studio’s bestselling titles. Whether it’s the themes of resilience, unity, and pushing boundaries or Patrick Swayze’s charm (and abs), something keeps viewers coming back.
James Kuhl, general manager of Broadway in Detroit, sees those same themes in the Motor City.
“Like Kellerman’s resort, Detroit knows a thing or two about bringing people together,” he writes in the musical’s Playbill. “We’re a city built on community, family traditions, and generations of memories shared across dance floors, concert halls, neighborhood festivals, and iconic stages. … Nobody puts Detroit in a corner.”
Catch Dirty Dancing: The Musical at the Fisher Theatre through Oct. 18. Grab tickets at us.atgtickets.com/detroit.
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