Who’s the song and dance man at SCERA?

    49

    By Larisssa Villers

    Tony Danza, star of “Taxi” and “Who”s the Boss?,” is coming to the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem to perform his song and dance show “Tony Danza Live!”

    He has been performing versions of his song and dance show to sold-out audiences since 1995. The show is full of Broadway showtunes, dance numbers that show his tap dancing skills, and humorous highlights from his life and career.

    “He is definitely the top of the ticket,” said SCERA President Norm Nielsen. “Tony Danza has been on our wish list for years, and we”re so thrilled that both our schedules finally meshed this summer.”

    SCERA employees who previewed one of his sold-out performances in Las Vegas said audiences who catch this genuine celebrity in concert are in for a real treat.

    Danza has come a long way from his days as pro boxer “Tough Tony.” Over 20 years ago producer James Brooks spotted Danza in a New York boxing ring.

    One screen test later Danza was cast in the television show “Taxi” as Italian fighter Tony Banta. After five years behind the wheel of a yellow cab, Danza picked up a mop and bucket, starring for eight years as Tony Micelli on “Who”s the Boss?”

    Many people are taken aback by the news of Danza”s capabilities as a song and dance man after having watched him in his bantering roles on television.

    “I think it would be really cool to go see,” said Jenny Carter, 23, from St. George. “I can”t believe that guy can sing and dance.”

    Some form of nostalgia plays a part in the interest of many students around campus.

    “The eighties TV shows are back in right now,” said Stacey Hess, 21, from Beavercreek, Ohio, majoring in nursing. “I think a lot of people remember Tony Danza for what he was and don”t realize he”s still around. I don”t know about his singing and dancing, but it would be interesting to see.”

    Danza keeps a constant memory of Utah with him. He broke his back in a skiing accident in 1993 and he now has plates, rods, and screws in his spine from the injuries; however, his former mishap does not hold back his performance in the show. He is a multi-talented singer, tap dancer, storyteller, and jokester.

    Danza is an educated family man. He has been married to his wife Tracy since 1986 and has two daughters and a son. He also got a scholarship to and graduated from the University of Dubuque in Iowa where he earned a bachelor”s degree in History.

    Danza”s recent acclaims include a 1997 People”s Choice Award for Favorite Male Performer in a New T.V. series and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for his portrayal of Dominic De Caesar in “Wrong Turn at Lungfish.” He is currently starring in the television show, “Family Law.”

    Danza will perform “Tony Danza Live!” on Tuesday, June 18 at 8 p.m. at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem. Tickets are $18 general admission, $22-24 for reserved area, and are available by calling 225-2569.

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email