New “Dirty Dancing” Adaptation Showcases Kanuga’s Beauty
05.15.2017 - Kanuga Stories
On May 24 at 8 p.m. on ABC Television Network, a historic piece of Western North Carolina will appear on TV screens across the nation due in part to Lionsgate Television’s adaptation of the classic film, Dirty Dancing. Kanuga served as the set location for half of the television event.
Photo credit: Lionsgate
Filmed last spring, Kanuga’s secluded setting and rustic surroundings provided a lush backdrop for the storyline set in the 1960s. Several iconic scenes were filmed there, including the conga line from the beginning of the movie and Baby’s famous watermelon scene. Johnny’s cabin scenes were filmed at the Fox Pavilion at Camp Kanuga, while the Fox Cottage on the main campus was repurposed as the Kellerman’s cabin.
“We hope the movie provides a chance for viewers to fall in love again with Western North Carolina’s beauty,” says Michael R. Sullivan, Kanuga President. “While the movie is a fictional story, Kanuga is a place where people can truly experience a family getaway filled with old-fashioned fun and relaxation.”
The three-hour filmed musical event features the story from the beloved 1987 romantic drama and instant movie classic told from a fresh perspective. Dirty Dancing stars Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”) as Baby, Debra Messing (“Will & Grace”) as Marjorie Houseman, Bruce Greenwood (“American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson”) as Dr. Jake Houseman, Nicole Scherzinger (“Dancing with the Stars”) as Penny, Colt Prattes (“Rock of Ages,” Pink’s music video “Try”) as Johnny, Sarah Hyland (“Modern Family”) as Lisa Houseman, Tony Roberts (“Annie Hall”) as Max Kellerman, Trevor Einhorn (“Mad Men”) as Neil, Shane Harper (“The Passion”) as Robbie Gould, J. Quinton Johnson (“Everybody Wants Some”) as Marco, Beau “Casper” Smart (“Perfect Match”) as Billy, Katey Sagal (“Sons of Anarchy”) as Vivian Pressman and Billy Dee Williams (“Star Wars”) as Tito. Dirty Dancing, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Allison Shearmur Productions.
Photo credit: Lionsgate
To celebrate the re-imagining, Kanuga is offering a limited-time Dirty Dancing package. Available August 18-20, the package coincides with the Dirty Dancing Festival in nearby Lake Lure. Lake Lure served as the backdrop for several memorial scenes in the original movie. The package includes accommodations at Kanuga and breakfast for up to two guests; call 828-692-9136 to make reservations.
If the movie leaves you longing for Kanuga’s scenic beauty, there’s still time to plan your summer escape. Spots are still available for our Summer Guest Period. Reserve your stay now!