Somebody Put Baby on the Stage

Based on the sleeper hit of 1987, the literally titled Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage makes its US debut today in Chicago. This production, which officially opens October 19 and runs through January 17, is the first stop on a pre-Broadway American tour.

Unlike a traditional musical, Dirty Dancing offers "presentational pop numbers rather than a strictly character-sung score". Described as "part play, part dance event, part concert", the show features 35 songs, including such familiar numbers from the movie as "Hungry Eyes," "Do You Love Me?" and the Academy Award-winning "(I've Had) The Time of My Life".

Following its run in the Windy City, Dirty Dancing will then travel to Boston and Los Angeles. No Broadway dates have been announced at this time.

UPDATE: The cast album for Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stageis now available from Amazon.com.