Is it just me, or is anyone else outraged at the plan to remake the iconic “Dirty Dancing”? 

The 1987 original, starring Jennifer Grey and the late Patrick Swayze, is a mainstay in my household. Despite owning the film on DVD, I still watch it every time it’s on TV, and we both know, that’s a lot. Folding laundry doesn’t get much better than when it’s done in time to “Hungry Eyes” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

For those of you who may not have heard, Kenny Ortega, who choreographed the original film, has gotten the go-ahead from Lionsgate Studios to direct the remake. According to another of my guilty pleasures, US magazine, he also has secured the blessings of the original cast, including Grey, and Swayze’s widow, Lisa Niemi Swayze. Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer in 2009.

Set in the 1960s at a Catskills resort that catered to a Jewish clientele, the original “Dirty Dancing” charts the coming-of-age of teenager Frances “Baby” Houseman (Grey), who falls for sexy dance instructor Johnny (Swayze) when she reluctantly becomes his dance partner.

A bunch of names have been batted about to play the leads, including Lea Michele, Miley Cyrus and Emma Roberts in the role of Baby and Justin Timberlake and Derek Hough of “Dancing with the Stars” as Johnny. Ortega has told several news outlets that he’s impressed with “So You Think You Can Dance” finalist Melanie Moore and also would love to find a role for Grey in the remake if she’d want to be part of it.

The remake decision is only more evidence of what we already know: Hollywood has run out of original ideas. First “Fame,” then “Footloose” (scheduled for release in October) and now, sadly, “Dirty Dancing.” Frankly, a far more compelling story could focus on a much older Baby (played by Grey), mourning the deaths of both her beloved father (the late Jerry Orbach, who starred in the original) and long lost love Johnny, returning to the resort, which is now – just like many of these places are currently – inhabited by Orthodox Jews. There, she shuns dancing and gets in touch with her Jewish roots. We could call it “Baby and Lox.”

Israel idol

Congratulations to 19-year-old Eitan Kantor of Clayton, who is one of 31 semi-finalists competing in the Israeli version of “American Idol,” also known as the global Hallelujah singing competition. These semi-finalists represent Jewish youth from all over the world including the United States, Canada, Belgium, Israel, England, Mexico, Australia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Russia and the Ukraine.

The semi-finals, which take place today and Thursday, will narrow the field to 12. The 12 finalists will then compete on Thursday, August 25 in the Israeli city of Ramat Hasharon, near Tel Aviv. The winner of the competition receives $8,000 in scholarship money and the chance to record a duet with major Israeli singer, plus a contract to perform in Jewish communities around the world. The live finale concert will be performed in front of thousands and broadcast on national Israeli television as well as being streamed via the Jerusalem Post website (www.jpost.com).

Kantor is the son of Lynnsie and David Kantor, who left for Israel earlier this week to cheer Eitan on. He traveled to Israel in early August – a day after finishing as a counselor at Camp Ramah – to join the other semi-finalists for a jam-packed, three-week schedule of touring the country and rehearsals. His trip is partially funded by a $1,500 grant from Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

“He has been overwhelmed by the amount of talent involved,” said his mother. “Just the experience alone has been incredible. He says to be able to feel this bond with Jewish peoplehood from all over the world is unbelievable. He’s also gotten to work with all sorts of professional musicians and singers. One of the judges is Yehoram Gaon, who’s like the Frank Sinatra of Israel.”

Before graduating from Clayton High, Eitan attended Solomon Schechter Day School. He has been a member of the B’nai Amoona Zamarin Youth Choir, and earned a spot in the prestigious Ranot Vocal Ensemble.

His mother says that in addition to singing, Eitan plays the violin. His plan after Israel is to attend Indiana University. However, should he win, “college would probably be postponed,” she said.

Good luck, Eitan.

Color my world

Details will be forthcoming in next week’s newspaper, but crayon in Sunday, Aug. 28 as a time to head over to the Jewish Community Center for the annual “Tour de Fun” event, where they can stop by the Jewish Light’s booth to learn about the paper’s special Rosh Hashanah Coloring Contest. The Light will have a coloring activity, along with guidelines for the contest.

The “Tour de Fun” event is geared for children under 10 and their families and will be held at the Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur.

Highlights of “Tour de Fun” include an appearance by Fredbird, climbing walls, giant inflatables and obstacle courses, a petting zoo, pony rides, wiffleball, kickball, football, soccer, amusement rides and cars of all kinds – classic, ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles and so much more.

The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Adult admission is free. For more information about Tour de Fun, contact Kimmi Levinson at 314-442-3109.

The coloring contest will offer prizes – and will feature winning submissions in the paper. All entries will be available for perusal at stljewishlight.com. You’ll also see details about the Rosh Hashanah Art Contest in next week’s Light.