Thursday, September 30

Ray Quinn extends role in Dirty Dancing

Ray Quinn was due to leave the part of Billy Kostecki in the West End production of Dirty Dancing on 27th November to play Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk  with his girlfriend Emma Stephens in Northampton over Christmas.

But due to public demand he will continue performing at the Aldwych Theatre until May 28th 2011 taking a short break over Christmas for his panto.  During that time he will be replaced by Will Breckin before returning on January 17th.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not at all surprised at this news. I have seen the new cast three times since their opening night and Ray is terrific in the role of Billy and get a great audience response. Lovely to see him being such a success. His role in Grease last year was extended by two months as well. It must be great for an artist when producers want to keep them! The whole new cast in Dirty Dancing are very charismatic and work so well together. A great show.

Anonymous said...

But he can't sing! Or act!

Anonymous said...

I agree, I saw him in August and was suprised after seeing the previous Billy, I think the part needs a stronger and trained voice not a 'celebrity' I'm not sure whether his return to the show will help or hinder

Anonymous said...

After seeing him recently I think he was lost amongst the professionally trained cast. I am sure he is more suited to panto and hopefully there is still time for him to escape up a bean stalk and away from the West End

Anonymous said...

Ray Quinn is a professionally trained singer, actor and dancer with numerous credits and awards in all three fields. He has been a great success in the role, and having seen his temporary replacement recently can only appreciate how good Ray Quinn is in comparison as they seem to have an understudy with little professional experience. The critics seem to have loved his performance too which presumably is why the producers are so keen to have him back.

Theatre Spy said...

Will be interesting to see who they cast in the tour of Dirty Dancing next year as suspect they will try and get a "name" to sell it on.

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