Singapore — When it opened in the West End in 2006, Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story On Stage garnered the highest pre-sale numbers in London history. And despite critical panning, it continued running for years. The reason is right up there on the stage: The songs, grinding, famous dance “lift” and, most importantly, now-iconic one-liners from the original 1987 guilty pleasure movie are all front and centre in perhaps what is the most blatant blow-by-blow rendition of a movie-to-stage experience.

Thirtysomethings keen to relive lost youth and misty water-coloured memories of first love will find themselves anticipating their favourite lines while singing and dancing in their seats (shrewdly encouraged here). Until the novelty wears off.

And that’s because what worked so well in the movie cannot be recreated on stage. Lighting in a bottle simply cannot be replicated. Just ask the cast of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.

It is clear that this South African touring cast was chosen for dancing ability. Watching them execute dance moves in all degree of difficulty was truly exciting. The same, however, cannot be said for their acting. Sure, Briony Whitfield, who plays Frances “Baby” Houseman with over-eagerness, looks like Jennifer Grey, right down to the frizzy perm; and understudy Luigi Vigliotti (stepping in for Gareth Bailey on Friday night, out from a torn ligament) as Johnny Castle has a perfect, smoking hot body reminiscent of young Patrick Swayze, but multiple shirtless scenes can only keep an audience happy that much.

There is also some attempt at dramatic heft — such as the unnecessary addition of none-too-subtle references to the civil rights movement — that ultimately lands with an awkward thud. But, really, none of this matters. Because audiences show up to a Dirty Dancing musical simply to relive the time of their lives, live. And there is more than enough sensuous dancing, nostalgia and ’80s hits on stage to keep anyone happy despite all its flaws. GENEVIEVE LOH

Until June 16, 8pm, Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands. With 2pm weekend matinees. Tickets from S$55 from Sistic.