The Stage

Dirty Dancing reshuffle sees Royal Ballet’s Harvey join West End cast

Published Thursday 25 September 2008 at 18:10 by Alistair Smith

Royal Ballet dancer Martin Harvey is to join the cast of West End musical Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage, in the lead role of Johnny Castle.

Meanwhile, Leanne Rowe is to take on the part of Frances “Baby” Houseman, in what will be her stage debut. The changes to the two principal roles come as part of a major recasting of the production from September 29. The production’s original Penny, Nadia Coote, will continue in the role.

The show’s creator, Eleanor Bergstein, said: “As we enter our third year in London, we have wanted to re-imagine our show as an homage to our wonderful audiences. We’re honoured that our new company, led by Martin Harvey as Johnny, includes three Matthew Bourne dancers (Alan Vincent, James Leece and Hannah Vassallo), distinguished theatre actors Carol Starks, Steven Hartley and David Firth, and introduces a lovely new Baby, Leanne Rowe. We’re very proud of them. This is in addition to our delight that Nadia Coote will continue onstage as our radiant Penny, leading the rest of our much-loved remaining company.”

Dirty Dancing is produced by Jacobsen Entertainment, in association with Lionsgate, Karl Sydow and Magic Hour Productions.