'Dirty Dancing' reborn on London stage

LONDON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Nearly two decades after its big screen debut, "Dirty Dancing" has found new life in a London stage production.

Even before London's Theatreland began offering its stage rendition of the 1987 film, ABC reported the adaptation became the locale's fastest selling musical, distributing nearly $20 million in advance tickets.

Taking over the role played by Patrick Swayze in the movie is singer Joe Brown while Georgina Rich takes over the other romantic lead, originally played by Jennifer Grey.

"People who come to see this are fans of the film," Rich said of the adaptation, which originated in Australia. "So every line that is in the film is in the show."

ABC said the successful stage production had previously traveled through Germany and New Zealand and is eyeing an eventual move to both Canada and the United States.