WILMINGTON — The dancers are ready (or not) and the choreographers are prepared to impart their knowledge and talents to 10 local celebrities who will compete at the 2017 CMH Regional Health System Dancing with the Stars at the Murphy Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Tickets are available at www.themurphytheatre.org. More information on how to vote/raise money in the name of your favorite star is coming soon.
The dancers were announced at a reveal party Thursday evening at the Murphy.
Competing for the honor of winning Trophy of Champions (most money raised), Judges’ Choice (highest scores), and Crowd Favorite will be five women and five men:
• Bekah Muchmore — Campus program director at Wilmington College
• Kelsey Swindler — Director of marketing for CMH Regional Health System; Wilmington City Council member
• Jane Taylor — Art teacher, Wilmington City Schools
• Brenda Elmore — Director, Supply Chain at Alkermes
• Marian Miller — Executive assistant to the mayor, City of Wilmington
• Fadi Al-Ghawi — Facility manager, Ahresty Wilmington
• Tim Rudduck — Judge, Clinton County Court of Common Pleas
• Jacob DeHart — Vice president and controller, Wilmington Savings Bank
• Jody Ames — Dentist
• Jim Graham — Retired minister
And those dancers are set to get going, including:
“I think it’s going to be a really fun experience. I’m also excited about who the stars are. I think we’re going to do a really good job this year. I’m very excited they asked me to do this.” — Bekah Muchmore
“I’m just honored to be participating and to be raising money for the Murphy. It’s just a gem and landmark for Wilmington for generations. It’s been a part of my childhood. I’m nervous about this. I’m no dancer but I’m happy to be doing this.” — Kelsey Swindler
“Oh my gosh! I am so excited and thrilled that I was asked to do this. I’m feeling very eager to start. I want to start my lessons right away.” — Jane Taylor
“I’m flattered and honored to be invited to participate in this event. I look forward to having a lot of fun and raising money for a community gem.” — Marian Miller
“I’m honored. I’ve never backed out of anything. I always take a challenge head on. I hope to beat Dr. (John) Hollon in raising money.” — Fadi Al-Ghawi
“I’m honored to be here. I loved the Murphy since I was a kid and when they asked me to do it I said, heck yes. All my kids encouraged me to do this.” — Tim Rudduck
“I’m very excited to be supporting the Murphy.” — Jacob DeHart
“I’m happy to support the community and the theatre. I’ve never danced before so we’ll see what happens.” — Jody Ames
Choreographers from the Wilmington Performing Arts Studio will be Cole Haugh (lead choreographer), Ami Gallagher-Filip, Cassie Smith, and one more to be announced.
Last year’s event raised more than $44,000 for the theatre.
Last year’s local celebrity dancers in the show were Trophy of Champions winner Dr. John Hollon, Crowd Favorite Chip Murdock, Judges’ Choice Mindy McCarty-Stewart, and Laura Railing Gibson, Randy Graf, Karli Harris, Randi Milburn, Brett Rudduck, Sigrid Solomon and Dow Tippett.
