Vocalists pictured L-R: Max Pinson, Rosie Staudt, Michael D’Elia (Photo courtesey Rick Mason)
by Norah Doyle
LOWELL – Fans of Dirty Dancing can relive the magic of the iconic 1987 film when the Dirty Dancing in Concert tour arrives in Lowell next week. The live-to-film event takes the stage Wednesday March 19 at 7:30 pm in the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The show features a screening of the remastered film, accompanied by a live band and vocalists performing fresh renditions of the soundtrack. Audience members can also stay for an after-party, where they’ll have a chance to sing and dance along to their favorite songs from the film.
“This unique experience offers a fun and lively atmosphere that makes you feel like you are truly a part of the movie! It’s the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the timeless romance of one of the most memorable movies,” said Riley Nadeau, Media and Public Relations Specialist at Spectacle Live, the company that manages the venue.
A Timeless Classic
Set in 1963, Dirty Dancing follows love story of Baby Houseman (Jennifer Grey), a bored summer guest at a hotel resort and Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayzee), the staff dance instructor, who enlists Baby as his dance partner. Determined to have a fun summer before being shipped off to the Peace Corps, Baby agrees and the two navigate a forbidden love after her father forbids them from seeing each other.
Vocalists pictured L-R: Max Pinson, Rosie Staudt, Gary Paul Bowman (Photo courtesy Rick Mason)
Michael D’Elia, one of the lead vocalists on the tour, said the film’s impact extends beyond its status as a romantic drama.
“It’s easy to look at Dirty Dancing as a surface level romcom but there’s so much more to it, which is why I think it still resonates with so many people,” said D’Elia. “At the end of the movie, Johnny gets up in front of the staff and guests and gives a little speech and says Baby taught him ‘that there are people willing to stand up for other people no matter what it costs them.’ I think that right there is a major message. One we could all take to heart.”
Bringing the Film to Life
D’Elia, a New York native based in Los Angeles, was thrilled when he landed a role in the production. He flew cross-country for callbacks and was with his mother when he got the news.
“When I got the call, I was with my mom in the kitchen and being able to share that moment was very special,” said D’Elia.
The cast has its own traditions before each performance. As part of their pre-show ritual, the band huddles together for warm-ups as the acting group does a breathing exercise.
“We pick one random line from the movie and chant that. I’m sure the local crew walking by hearing 8 of us chanting ‘this danish is pure protein,’or whatever the line of the night is, over and over is very odd,” said D’Elia.
D’Elia encouraged fans to attend the event for an unforgettable experience.
“You get the magic of the movie with the energy of the live band and the audiences which are usually pretty riled up and shouting and cheering. It’s a blast,” said D’Elia.
Ticket prices range from $49 to $99 USD and can be purchased here.
Norah Doyle is a sophomore digital media major with a concentration in journalism at Endicott College. This story was produced for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College in partnership with InsideLowell.
