Dirty Dancing in Concert • February 5, 2026 • Eccles Theater
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Dirty Dancing in Concert transformed the iconic 1980s film into a live, electrifying theatrical celebration. A night that felt like summer, romance, and freedom all rolled into one. The audience buzzed with anticipation long before the lights dimmed. Couples and friends shared knowing smiles and whispered song favorites. From the first chord to the final curtain call, the performance was a fun, heartfelt tribute to a story that’s become woven into the fabric of popular culture.
For personal context, this movie is a big part of my childhood. My mom LOVED this movie. She had the soundtrack on all the time. At first, due to its adult themes, I wasn’t permitted to watch. So all I had was this amazing soundtrack. I knew all the songs. Then I eventually grew up and watched the movie. Ok, time to come clean. One time when I stayed home sick from school, I snuck and watched the VHS when my mom went to run errands. I was too young to understand any of the adult content, but I had fun seeing where the songs fit into the story. As I watched it later, I realized why my mom didn’t want me to watch. There are some adult storylines. Anyway, yeah, I have quite the history with this film.
There was a real buzz throughout Eccles Theater. People love this movie, and it was entertaining to see these fans gathered together to watch. Many of the attendees dressed up for the show. Some were in era-specific attire, and others dressed just like the characters. Some of my favorite moments were when famous lines were about to come up, and there would be rumblings throughout the crowd. Then, when the line was said, people would cheer. The same would happen during the big songs. But the ovations would be that much louder. There was such a positive and happy feeling inside the theater all night.
Rosie Staudt’s voice gave the evening a luminous spark. From her first note, she breathed new life into familiar melodies, striking a beautiful balance between strength and tenderness. Whether she was capturing the yearning of “Hungry Eyes” or the joyful release of “Hey! Baby”, Rosie’s presence anchored the show with an emotional clarity that felt both grounded and electrifying. She has the rare ability to make the audience forget they’re hearing a live reproduction of film music — instead, she gave each song a fresh, personal heartbeat that resonated through every row of the theater.
Standing alongside her, Gary Bowman brought a rich, soulful tone to the performance that anchored the ensemble with steady confidence. His voice carried warmth and depth, like a storyteller guiding the audience through each emotional arc. When Gary stepped forward for his solos, you could feel the audience lean in — drawn by his nuanced phrasing and expressive delivery. He brought out the longing and playfulness in songs that might otherwise feel familiar, reminding everyone why these melodies still linger in our memories.
Michael D’Elia rounded out the trio with a vibrant, magnetic energy that was impossible to ignore. His enthusiastic performance style had the audience smiling instantly, connecting with the music on a visceral level. Whether tapping into the fun of upbeat numbers or delivering more heartfelt moments with tenderness, Michael’s contribution was a joyful force. His chemistry with Rosie and Gary created moments of genuine interplay and camaraderie, inviting the audience to share in the emotional journey unfolding onstage.
But Dirty Dancing in Concert was more than just a showcase of great voices. It was a full sensory experience that married movement, music, and storytelling. It was so interesting to have the movie playing on a screen above, while a band and these vocalists performed each song from the memorable soundtrack. I caught myself going from being focused on the movie and forgetting there was even a band to being completely fixated on the band and forgetting to watch parts of the movie. At its sweet spot, there was a meeting of both. The live performance of these songs, backing the motion picture, made this experience that much more fun.
I’d have to say that the highlight for me was the surprise attendance of Dirty Dancing’s choreographer, Kenny Ortega. As the opening credits rolled and his name appeared, a section of the audience cheered loudly. I figured they must just really like the choreography in this movie. I mean, who doesn’t? But as I looked to my left, I saw Kenny sitting in my row just across the aisle. That was pretty exciting! During the intermission, fans would come by to get a selfie with him, and before the second half of the show began, he was introduced to the audience and received a loud ovation. It was fun for me to sneak a glance during some of the big dance numbers in the movie to see his reaction. I could tell he was enjoying himself and enjoyed hearing the audience react to these scenes.
When the movie ended and the credits finished, the band and the singers performed a thirty-minute set of the big songs from the film. People were on their feet, having a blast. Some might say they were having the… I’m not going to say it. But you know what I was about to say. Ok fine! They were having the “Time of their life!” People sang along, people danced. It was a perfect way to cap off the evening.
As the final notes faded and the performers took their bows, the standing ovation echoed that shared appreciation. Smiles, laughter, and happy conversations filled the lobby as folks spilled out into Salt Lake City’s cool evening air — still humming the tunes and replaying favorite moments. Dirty Dancing in Concert at the Eccles Theater wasn’t just a performance; it was a joyful reminder of why this story endures: because it speaks to the heart, ignites the spirit of dance, and makes us believe, even for a few hours, in summer love and the promise of letting go.