Dirty Dancing musical sets Broadway debut for February 2027
Dirty Dancing: The Musical is officially heading to Broadway for the first time, bringing Baby and Johnny’s famous love story to New York in celebration of the original film’s 40th anniversary.
The strictly limited engagement will begin performances at the Lena Horne Theatre on 12 February 2027 and run until 5 September. A special gala performance is scheduled for 14 March, writes Music News Blitz’s Anna Ferraz.
Who will play Baby and Johnny on Broadway?
Annalese Starzec will make her Broadway debut as Frances “Baby” Houseman, opposite fellow Broadway newcomer Blake Zelesnikar as dance instructor Johnny Castle.
The pair currently lead the musical’s North American tour, which launched in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in August 2026. The tour will visit cities including Detroit, Boston, Toronto and West Palm Beach before arriving in New York.
The production features a 27-member company, with 21 performers making their Broadway debuts. Olivia Cece will play Penny Johnson, while Bryan Fenkart, Lily Kren and Gina Lamparella will appear as members of the Houseman family.
Dirty Dancing musical follows the original film
Written by original Dirty Dancing screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein, the musical takes audiences back to the Catskills during the summer of 1963.
The story follows Baby, a young woman holidaying with her family at Kellerman’s resort. Her life changes when she meets Johnny, a charismatic dance instructor who introduces her to a different world of music, passion and independence.
The production will feature several songs associated with the 1987 film, including (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life, Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me? and She’s Like the Wind.
Original film actor returns as director
The musical is directed by Tony Award nominee and two-time Emmy winner Lonny Price, who played Neil Kellerman in the original film. Choreography is by Darrell Grand Moultrie, whose credits include Fat Ham and Beyoncé’s world tour.
The wider creative team includes set designer Brett J. Banakis, costume designer Emily Rebholz, lighting designer Japhy Weideman and sound designer Kai Harada.
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A 40-year Dirty Dancing legacy
Released in 1987, Dirty Dancing starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze as Baby and Johnny. The romantic drama earned more than $200 million worldwide and produced two multi-platinum soundtrack albums.
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life, performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Although Dirty Dancing has previously played in Australia, Germany, London’s West End, and across North America, the 2027 production will mark the musical’s first Broadway engagement.
Lionsgate is also developing a new Dirty Dancing film sequel, with Grey expected to return as Baby.
Tickets for the Broadway run go on general sale through Broadway Direct on 9 October 2026, following a fan presale on 8 October.
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