Get ready, Texas! Dirty Dancing in Concert is bringing the iconic 1987 film to life in a whole new way. 

With a live band, singers, and the film projected on a full-size movie screen, this unique concert experience will have you dancing in the aisles. Guests attending Dirty Dancing in Concert will have an unparalleled and unforgettable experience as they revisit the classic love story of Baby and Johnny. The live-to-film concert experience includes a screening of the digitally remastered movie while the band and vocalists play the hit songs live and in time with the movie. 

We spoke with one of the lead vocalists, Michael D’Elia,  about what makes this show so special and what Texas audiences can expect when the tour hits four cities in February.

What is Dirty Dancing in Concert? Not a musical, but a concert. Tell us more! (And will we have “The time of our lives?”!)

Dirty Dancing in Concert is a live Film to Concert experience. Taking the classic film we all know and love and breathing new life into it with a live band and singers.

How did you become involved with Dirty Dancing in Concert?

I first got involved with Dirty Dancing in Concert in 2022 when it had its first North American tour. I auditioned in New York and was lucky enough to be picked to join this awesome group of performers.

Can you tell us about your role as a lead vocalist in the production?

Absolutely. As the film plays, the band and vocalists perform the songs live as they occur. So, when Baby famously enters the staff party carrying a watermelon and “Do You Love Me” is blaring on the speakers we’ll be singing that song with an incredible group of musicians really bringing that moment to life. 

What’s your favorite moment or song to perform during the show?

Is it too cliché to say “Time of My Life?” It’s just such an iconic moment and looking out into the audience and seeing how much fun everyone is having really makes it fun for us as well. 

Dirty Dancing is such an iconic film — how do you channel its legacy in your performances?

It can be tough because people are such fans of the film and you want them to enjoy themselves. You want to hold space for the film as it’s happening and not distract too much but also give people an exciting performance when you’re singing. I’m simultaneously trying to channel Patrick Swayze and whomever I’m singing at the time be it Eric Carmen (Hungry Eyes) or Solomon Burke (Cry To Me). It’s a lot to think about.

What has been the most rewarding part of touring with this concert?

I love the audience’s reactions. People love this film, it means a lot to them so when they come in, excited, and ready to have a good time it makes it so much fun for us. Getting to be a part of that is very rewarding and it’s been an honor.

What’s a behind-the-scenes moment that stands out to you from this production?

The tour goes from the USA to Canada and last year we did a few shows in Montreal. That audience mostly spoke French. So before the show that day, with the help of some of the producers, we each learned some French phrases because we wanted to connect with them. One of the other vocalists actually spoke some French as well, so he took the lead on that. But it was a cool experience to suddenly be doing the afterparty in another language!

How do you prepare vocally and emotionally for each performance?

I do a pretty extensive vocal warm-up. The songs we sing really go from the bottom of our range to the very top, and we’re in a different city almost every night, so we’ve got to stay in good vocal shape. There’s one exercise I do that the other cast members make fun of me for but I think they all secretly love it. Emotionally, I try to stay in the moment for each song and keep in mind what’s happening in the film as well. It’s a fun movie but an emotional one as well so there’s a lot of feelings you’re going to have throughout.

What can Texas audiences expect when they come to see Dirty Dancing in Concert in February?

To have the time of their lives! They can expect to enjoy the remastered film shown in its original format on the big screen. And then afterward a fun dance party where we sing through many of the songs from the soundtrack and we invite the audience to come up to the front of the house and dance with us!

What drew you to become a part of Dirty Dancing in Concert, and how has the experience been so far?

It’s unlike any other show I’ve been a part of. I’ve mostly been in musicals so getting to sing songs like this that are a totally different genre and with such an amazing band has been a dream. I get to live out a bit of a rock fantasy for sure. 

Can you describe the process of adapting the iconic music from Dirty Dancing for a live concert experience?

I can only speak from my experience as a vocalist but for me doing my best to keep the songs familiar to the audience while also unique to my own voice has been a challenge. People expect to hear songs a certain way sometimes so you don’t want to disappoint them but no two people sing alike. I’m not going to sound the same as Bill Medley or Otis Redding. How do you keep the nostalgia while also making something new? It’s hard but I think we’ve done a good job of marrying the two.

What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why does it resonate with you?

I’ll say Hungry Eyes. It’s such a pivotal moment in the film, the song is iconic and I’m lucky enough to sing it. What’s funny is I actually find that song incredibly difficult to sing so I get extra nervous before that song every night. But the audience goes nuts for it and when the audience is having fun then we’re having fun and we can feed off of each other. It really makes the whole experience a blast.

What has been the most challenging part of performing in Dirty Dancing in Concert, and how have you overcome it?

I think in the beginning of the tour some audiences weren’t sure if they were allowed to applaud after songs or cheer for their favorite characters or shout out their favorite lines. They’re going into it with proper film and theater etiquette, which is so appreciated of course, but this is a totally different experience, it’s still very much a concert. So, we’ve started telling people at the beginning that we want you to cheer. We want you to shout and scream when Swayze comes on the screen. You’re there to let loose and have fun. Take videos, dance, and I can’t say it enough – have the time of your life!

Catch Dirty Dancing in Concert at the following locations:

• February 21 – College Station, TX – Rudder Auditorium
• February 22 – Sugarland, TX – Smart Financial Centre
• February 23 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
• February 25 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre

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Cover photo courtesy Defining Studio

Madi Hise is a Public Relations student at the University of Texas, minoring in business. She currently serves as the Editorial Intern for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.