Nobody puts baby in a corner. And nobody keeps baby off the screen or stage, especially The American Cinematheque, which on Sunday, April 26, hosted a revival screening of the 1987 cult dance classic starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and the late Jerry Orbach. The event – equal parts dance party and big screen tribute – was staged to promote the upcoming music
al adaptation of “Dirty Dancing” which opens May 8, 2009 at The Pantages Theatre.Hosted by Dave Malkoff, the event kicked off with a free dance contest – and some dance lessons to boot – sponsored by Boxers & Ballerinas, Inc., a unique health and fitness organization founded by Rebekah Iliff. Jennifer Perry and Adrienne Malena, both instructors at Boxers
& Ballerinas, were among the professional dancers who lead the Egyptian Theatre courtyard in an eye-catching dance show that commanded the center-stage attention on Hollywood Boulevard.
Film buffs and curiosity-seekers alike joined in on the dance lessons and participated in a “Dirty Dancing” trivia contest. Carole Mumford, Judy Calderon, Charles Meyerson and a Marilyn Monroe look-alike were among the trivia contest winners who walked away with tickets to the musical stage adaptation of “Dirty Dancing.”
Following the courty
ard festivities, everyone filed inside for a screening of the 1987 film which was introduced by a Q&A between Dave Malkoff and Josef Brown, the classically trained Australian dancer who originated the stage persona of Johnny Castle in both the London and Australian stage versions of “Dirty Dancing,” and who will be reprising that ro
le onstage at The Pantages Theatre for the run of “Dirty Dancing.”For further information on “Dirty Dancing” the musical, visit www.dirtydancingamerica.com. For more information on Boxers & Ballerinas, please visit their website at www.boxersandballerinas.com.
Reporting & Photos by Lee Christian