The film version of Dirty Dancing was released in 1987 starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, and Jerry Orbach. The musical first premiered in Brisbane, Australia in 2004. And now, in September 2026, it stops in Chicago on its North American tour. 

In the story, Frances “Baby” Houseman is spending the summer at a resort in the Catskill Mountains with her family. She agrees to fill in for a dancer who has to miss an upcoming performance. While preparing, she starts to fall in love with the dance instructor. 

Annalese Starzec is excellent as Baby, and looks just like Grey in the movie. Blake Zelesnikar and Olivia Cece are very impressive as the dance instructors. The entire cast is filled with superb dancers. 

Overall, it’s a fun feel-good romance with a Broadway worthy production. 

Cost of a ticket: $92 (Orchestra)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value –

Rating Scale: Exceptional > Good Value > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for Dirty Dancing: The Musical through September 20th!

Quinn Delaney

Looking for another feel-good romance? Check out this new show: Off Campus.