Erick Pinnick
Get ready to have the time of your life! Based on Lionsgate’s beloved film, the story that awakened a generation is back in a new stage production. Dirty Dancing: The Musical is the feel-good escape you’ve been craving, alive with the pulse of electrified dancing, the thrill of secret encounters, and the allure of forbidden romance. Set to live music from the original film you love, Baby and Johnny bring to life the summer that changed everything. Your reservation at Kellerman’s awaits!
ERICK PINNICK (Tito Suarez) has appeared in 1st National tours of Shucked, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and Sunset Boulevard. NY credits: A Christmas Carol at MSG and The Tin Pan Alley Rag with Roundabout Theatre Company. TV credits: “Blacklist”, “EVIL”, and “The Good Fight”. Proud graduate of James Madison University and AEA and SAG member.
You are originally from the Baltimore area. How did your Baltimore roots prepare you for your professional career, and how does it feel to be performing so close to your hometown at The National Theatre in DC?
Well, I was lucky enough to have my great aunt, Elvira Gosnell, as my first music teacher when I was in elementary school at Westowne Elementary in Baltimore County. She was a great teacher and she made learning about music fun and engaging. My middle school music teacher, Cynthia Stephens, also made a big impact on me when she took several of us to see Oliver! at the high school. On the way home, she asked me if that’s something I would like to do. My path was set! When I finally started doing musicals in high school, I had a lot of opportunities both within my high school and with the Howard County Summer Theater to be on stage and to explore acting as something I might really want to pursue.
What is it like to portray such a well-known character as Tito Suarez, and what has the creative process of bringing him to life been like for you?
It’s an honor to step into the white dinner jacket of Tito Suarez and follow in the footsteps of Charles ‘Honi’ Coles and Billy Dee Williams. Tito’s role is really expanded in our show with both scenes and music. It’s been exciting to be a part of this expansion and it means that I get to sing some great jazz tunes, in addition to Otis Redding’s “Love Man.”
Describe the audition process for “Dirty Dancing: The Musical.” Where were you when you found out you were cast, and what was that moment like?
This felt like a fairly quick audition process and the creative team was so supportive throughout. Lonny is one of those rare directors that will take the time to come from behind the table to shake your hand when you come into the room to audition. I think his background as an actor has something to do with that. I was sitting at my computer early on a Monday when my agent called to give me the offer. I had a pretty good idea why he was calling because he generally texts or sends an email. I was really excited by the opportunity to be a part of bringing this story to life.
This stage version offers a fresh take on the production. What can audiences expect from the experience?
I always say audiences can expect all the iconic moments that they are craving, plus lots of new elements that fill the world of the story out including lots of additional music.
The film “Dirty Dancing” was released nearly 40 years ago and has enjoyed enduring popularity. Why do you think the iconic film and story continue to resonate with audiences today?
Well, my sister happened to be in New York the week of my callback and she informed me she had seen the movie 100 times! Being close to the story again after seeing it originally back in the day, I can see why people would be so attached to Baby’s journey as she comes into her own. That iconic lift which our leads do so beautifully, is the perfect exclamation point to represent where she is at the end of the show. She is flying!
Running Time: Two hours and 20 minutes including one intermission.
Advisory: Recommended for ages 12 and up.
“Dirty Dancing: The Musical” runs September 29-October 4, 2026 at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online or visit the Box Office, Monday-Friday, 12-6 pm (extended hours during performance days: 12-8 pm).
