Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage at Cadillac Palace Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...In fairness, there are also moments when class consciousness comes out clearly through dance. The scene when Abbott's awkward-but-kind Baby stumbles into an after-hours rock-and-roll rave-up dance session with the resort performers reminded me of Kate Winslet in "Titanic" slumming below decks. When they let their bodies do the talking in Michele Lynch's choreography (with Craig Wilson handling the ballroom and Latin dance numbers), "Dirty Dancing" is sensuous and charming. But then it screeches to a halt for exposition that never fully raises the stakes or reveals the characters' longings. Baby gets out of the corner, but the story feels boxed in."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Sex, race, social class, political activism, the changing roles of women and the issue of abortion. This might sound like a bucket list of contemporary themes. But in “Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story on Stage,” the musical, whose almost cult-like following clearly feeds on the hit 1987 film of the same name, it is a time capsule back to 1963."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...The biggest change from the movie is the stronger focus on the Civil Rights Movement. Several cast members are black, which goes a long way in redeeming the Kellerman management and guests as people at least trying to uphold some of their liberal convictions. One of the newly inserted songs is We Shall Overcome, sung beautifully by Jennlee Shallow, one of the stand-outs I mentioned (the other is Carpenter)."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Dirty Dancing-The Classic Story on Stage brings laughter, light, and romance to the Chicago theatre scene and is a must-see for theatre-goers of all ages. Whether you're looking to enjoy a girls' night out or simply looking for a light-hearted and fun production to see, Dirty Dancing will be the perfect fit. The crowd reaction alone to the classic "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" line is enough evidence that avid Dirty Dancing fans will be sure to have the time of their lives."

Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...This marks the second time Chicago audiences have had the chance to enjoy the heated romance between Johnny and Baby, some sensuous, dirty dancing and its 60’s soundtrack. Songs include “Do You Love Me?,” “Hungry Eyes,” “You Don’t Own Me” and an instrumental version of “She’s Like the Wind.” Almost like a dance concert strung together by a vague storyline, this can be an enjoyable production, if audiences don’t come expecting their lives to be changed in any way except to relive the nostalgia found in this 1987 film fantasy."