When Michael D’Elia accepted a role singing and dancing a la Patrick Swayze for the “Dirty Dancing in Concert” tour, which opens Jan. 18 in Williamsport, he was excited about the chance to sing such iconic songs as “She’s Like the Wind” and the Academy Award-winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from the famous film.
The 1987 movie, which starred Swayze and Jennifer Grey in romantic leading roles as, respectively, the dance instructor at a Catskills resort and the daughter of a well-to-do, vacationing family, has been digitally remastered and will be shown on a large screen at the Community Arts Center.
But in place of the movie’s recorded soundtrack, the audience will hear a live band with vocalists Morgan Milone representing Jennifer Grey in her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman and D’Elia representing Swayze in his role as Johnny Castle.
“I try to add a little bit of his swagger,” D’Elia said with a chuckle. “But I can’t say that I have as much as he did.”
While the vocalists will dance on stage, D’Elia said, please don’t expect them to attempt the famous lift where Johnny holds Baby high over his head.
While he admits that “would be exciting for people,” the vocalist said he was relieved to learn he wasn’t expected to do that. “To be honest, yes, a little bit,” he said during a telephone interview.
“During the film we are mostly singing,” he said. “Then afterward we have a 30-minute dance party. We invite the audience to come to the front of the house … Don’t be afraid to have fun. We want you to sing and dance and shout to your favorite character.”
A veteran of two previous tours of the show, D’Elia said the best part of “Dirty Dancing in Concert” is getting to see the audience reaction. “Usually those coming to see the show already have a love and affinity for this movie,” he said. “They’re so excited about it and that fuels our performance. It’s really rewarding.”
Tickets to the opening show, set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Community Arts Center, 220 West 4th St. in Williamsport, start at $39.