Wow, what a sensational opening night at John Frost’s Dirty Dancing at the Princess Theatre.

The audience was full of Melbourne’s theatre and show biz elite and the atmosphere was one of anticipation.

This is such a heartfelt and polished production that from start to finish the audience seemed spellbound by the rhythm of the live band and grace of the dancers. The absolute cleverness of the the staging and lighting also created ripples of awe in support of the pace and pitch of the story line.

Not sure about other audience members but I was emotionally charged and very aware of the legacy left by Patrick Swayce and I had it in my mind that he would have been proud of this 2015 rendition of Dirty Dancing.

Even though I was totally absorbed throughout the musical, a couple of stand out moments were heralded by the deliciously delightful and heart stopping vocals and stage presence of Mark Vincent.

Mark, in his musical theatre debut seemed to hit the night’s crescendo with his solo performance of In the Still of the Night which was only to be topped by his later rendition of  The Time of My Life  accompanied by the extra ordinary vocals of Anna Freeland. This of course ended the show with a much deserved, tear in my eye and a standing ovation.

I’ve been told by insiders that John Frost known as one of the best, builds a solid foundation to support his productions and that sense of solidarity was felt in that theatre on and off stage.

Great show that is well worth the experience.

Opening Night on the Pink Carpet

images © Kerrie Pacholli