‘Dirty Dancing’ Heads Stateside

Jacobsen Entertainment plans to stage the “Dirty Dancing” musical in the United States in 2007, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey movie. Sydney-based Jacobsen owns the world licensing rights to the musical.

It intends to launch the musical at the Aladdin Casino in Las Vegas. Jacobsen managing director Michael Jacobsen said up to 20 American companies have shown interest in being the U.S. partner for the venture and that negotiations will begin later this year.

“Dirty Dancing” has been a success story elsewhere on the globe, and is predicted to gross $1 billion outside America.

The German season in Hamburg set a new record in Europe for advance ticket sales, totaling A$32 million.

The U.K. run in October, at London’s West End, also set a new record when advance ticket sales exceeded £4 million.

It will play in Holland, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Russia and Poland. Jacobsen’s European partner is Dutch-based Stage Entertainment.

Shows in Israel, Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore are confirmed, with plans for runs in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and other parts of Asia.

– Bryan Jones