This is the summer of change and of radicalisation and the musical, like the film touches on the social, racial and economic divides of sixties America. Not forgetting the influence of the Beatles, the Peace Corps, abortion, Kennedy and the anti racism uprising. Baby learns some lessons about life and love through all of these conflicts as well as a whole lot of rhythm.

A very straight forward frame by frame recreation of the film experience for those die hard fans of the film that grew up reminiscing over this movie will not at all be disappointed as with only one scene straying away from the original version. The audience was able to happily quote along, as the script appeared to be almost word for word.

While the first half travels along happily enough, the audience remains on tenterhook throughout the second half as we are all anticipating the climax. By the time Johnny bursts back on to the scene to proclaim that infamous line "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" the audience is practically hysterical.

Kate Champion's choreography of hip swaying, high leg kicking, pulsating and grinding comes alive in the vibrant party scenes in the staff quarters. Couples partner dance, bodies sway together, swirl and sway.

The props and set handled by Stephen Brimson Lewis' pay homage to the film by using clever filmic and photographic backdrops. Key scenes are carefully and inventively recreated on a rotating stage, the lake scene with particular effect through the use of gauze, a smoke machine and splash sound effects

The once upon a time principal of the Australian Ballet scene, Josef Brown, thrills the girls with his dark looks and sexy stares, as Johnny. His six-pack, which was well defined I might add, and his seductive hip gyrations where pleasing to the eye which allowed the viewer to over look the dodgy Australian American accent.

Although a little wooden, Brown does create some chemistry with the very well cast Georgina Rich as Baby. Rich is quite convincing in regards to the on screen 'Baby' and her combination of sweet innocence and feisty resolve are thoroughly expressed.

The gorgeous Nadia Coote as Penny Johnson dances up a storm with those amazing legs of hers while managing to convey the trauma of her more serious plotline, and Isabella Calthorpe is well deserving of a mention for her hilarious rendition as she "hulas all the day away".

The show also features hit songs including 'Do You Love Me?, Hungry Eyes, She's Like The Wind, Love Is Strange and (I've Had) The Time Of My Life'

Whether or not you will have the time of your life remains to be seen. While not a patch on the film, it is an intense live alternative. Definitely one for the ladies.