Dirty Dancing: The Musical is officially making its long-awaited Broadway debut. Producers announced that the stage adaptation will arrive at New York City’s Lena Horne Theatre beginning February 12, 2027. An official opening night is scheduled for March 14, 2027. The limited engagement will run through September 5, 2027, arriving just ahead of the 40th anniversary of the beloved 1987 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Lionsgate film.
The production arrives on Broadway following an 11-stop North American tour that launched in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in August 2026. The current touring cast will remain intact for the New York transfer. They will bring the energy of the Catskills straight to the Main Stem before resuming their national route after the Broadway run concludes in September.
Cast and Creative Team
The Broadway engagement will star Annalese Starzec as Frances “Baby” Houseman and Blake Zelesnikar as Johnny Castle. Both actors currently lead the national tour and will make their official Broadway debuts with this production. They anchor a 27-member company featuring 21 performers stepping onto a Broadway stage for the very first time.
The supporting cast includes:
- Olivia Cece as Penny Johnson
- Bryan Fenkart as Jake Houseman
- Dan Klimko as Neil Kellerman
- Lily Kren as Lisa Houseman
- Ashley LaLonde as Elizabeth
- Gina Lamparella as Marjorie Houseman
- Loren Lester as Max Kellerman
- Ethan Peterson as Billy Kostecki
- Erick Pinnick as Tito Suarez
The wider company also features Emma Jade Branson, Marcus Byers, Jr., Jonas Cohen, Sarah Ellis, Aria Christina Evans, Anthony J. Gasbarre III, Zoe Edan Lemelman, Francesca Mancuso, Brett Rawlings, Jason Richards, Antony Sanchez, Grace Sautter, Neil Starkenberg, Fisher Lane Stewart, John Swapshire, and Carmella Taitt.
Behind the scenes, the stage adaptation boasts a direct connection to the original film. Lonny Price, who famously portrayed Neil Kellerman in the 1987 motion picture, returns to direct the musical. Darrell Grand Moultrie handles the choreography, with credits including Broadway’s Fat Ham and Beyoncé’s world tour. Eleanor Bergstein, who penned the original film’s screenplay, wrote the book for the stage show.
A Cultural Phenomenon Comes to the Stage
Set during an unforgettable summer in the Catskills in 1963, Dirty Dancing: The Musical follows Frances “Baby” Houseman. Her family vacation changes forever when she crosses paths with charismatic dance instructor Johnny Castle. The production captures the romance, rebellion, and coming-of-age themes that made the original movie an enduring pop culture landmark.
Audiences can expect a score packed with iconic hits directly from the multi-platinum film soundtrack, including:
- “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”
- “Hungry Eyes”
- “Do You Love Me?”
- “She’s Like the Wind”
Released in August 1987 and starring the late Patrick Swayze alongside Jennifer Grey, the original film grossed more than $200 million worldwide and became an international sensation. Its theme song, “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, cementing the movie’s legacy in cinematic history.
Production Background and Strategic Expansion
The Broadway run is backed by a coalition of producers, including The Path Entertainment Group, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment. Co-producers include Magic Hour Productions, Nederlander Presentations, and the John Organization. For Lionsgate, bringing Dirty Dancing to the Broadway stage represents a continued effort to translate its premier film intellectual property into live theatrical experiences, joining other stage ventures like The Hunger Games and illusionist shows.
Tickets for the limited seven-month Broadway engagement at the Lena Horne Theatre go on sale following initial fan presales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dirty Dancing on Broadway
When does Dirty Dancing: The Musical open on Broadway?
Preview performances begin on February 12, 2027, at the Lena Horne Theatre. An official opening night gala is scheduled for March 14, 2027.
How long is the Broadway run scheduled to last?
The production is slated for a strictly limited engagement running through September 5, 2027, before the cast resumes its North American tour.
Who are the lead actors playing Baby and Johnny?
Annalese Starzec and Blake Zelesnikar star as Frances “Baby” Houseman and Johnny Castle, respectively, making their Broadway debuts.
Who directed the stage adaptation?
Lonny Price directed the production. He is well known to fans of the franchise for playing Neil Kellerman in the original 1987 motion picture.
What venue is hosting the Broadway production?
The musical will play at Broadway’s historic Lena Horne Theatre, located at 256 W 47th St. in New York City.
