In the world of Broadway, the order is clear, and well-established: new shows debut on Broadway, and then successful ones go out and tour the country. The touring version many times gets a completely new cast – often because the Broadway cast is still on Broadway and the shows operate simultaneously. That was the exact scenario for the last such show the Walton Arts Center hosted – “The Outsiders” came to Fayetteville while the show was also still firmly planted in New York City.
But it’s not always the case.
There’s been a musical version of “Dirty Dancing” floating around for years. It was written by Eleanor Bergstein, the screenwriter responsible for the beloved movie that turns 40 next year. The touring show got a major overhaul that debuted in August, featuring a new book by Bergstein and new direction from Broadway director Lonny Price, a two-time Tony Award nominee who also appeared in the movie version. A new cast was assembled then, too…