By Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
Following a heart scare, Wayne Newton has been cleared by doctors to go on the road with the third annual tour of Dancing with the Stars. The 38-city North American road trip kicks off Dec. 18 in Seattle and runs through Feb. 10 in Philadelphia.
The venerable, 65-year-old performer, who was eliminated last month during the fifth season of the TV show dance competition, was forced to cancel a two-month holiday engagement at Harrah’s Las Vegas when he was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy, a viral infection of the heart. Newton has previously been treated for this condition.
“Having spent my life in show business, the Dancing with the Stars experience has certainly become a highlight,” Newton said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that my doctors have given me the ok to hit the road this winter and perform for all of my fans across the country.”
Dancing with the Stars – The Tour has consistently sold well and has been among the leading events in TicketNews’ exclusive weekly rankings. The tour will feature a rotating cast of the show’s most popular competitors, combining favorites from previous tours with newcomers from the show’s current season. Audiences will be treated to exciting new line-ups from an ensemble of stars including season five’s Marie Osmond, Newton, Sabrina Bryan, Cheryl Burke, Jonathan Roberts and Mark Ballas; season three’s Joey Lawrence, Monique Coleman and Edyta Sliwinska; professional dancers Derek Hough, Alec Mazo and Brian Fortuna; as well as special guest star appearances throughout the tour from season two winner, Drew Lachey.