VALDOSTA, Ga. – Matt Alfano grew up as a dancer so he understands the choreographed motivation of Tony Manero, the principal character of “Saturday Night Fever.”

Alfano has spent the past several weeks, traveling the country, portraying the role made famous by John Travolta in the 1970s movie.

“Saturday Night Fever” will play March 20 in Valdosta as part of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Presenter Series.

At the time of this phone interview, Alfano and the “Saturday Night Fever” cast and crew were traveling to a performance in Omaha, Neb. It is Alfano’s first national tour, though his resume is filled with characters and other shows.

He has performed on Broadway in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He has acted several seasons at the Stratford Festival in shows such as “A Chorus Line,” “West Side Story,” “Fiddler on the Roof.” Other shows include “Shrek: The Musical,” “Sweet Charity,” “White Christmas,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” etc.

As for “Saturday Night Fever,” Alfano said the script is “not as R-rated as the movie. Some content has been calmed down for a musical theatre story.”

Alfano said his performance is informed by John Travolta’s portrayal in the movie but is not ruled by it.

“It’s impossible to completely re-do things that have to be done,” he said. “I don’t want to do an impersonation of John Travolta doing a character. I do things differently but what has been done inspires within the subconscious to recreate what has to be done. But I have to find my own Tony.”

“Saturday Night Fever” is the story of a young man who hopes to escape the despair of his everyday life by conquering the disco dance floor. The 1977 movie featured music by the BeeGees. Both the movie and soundtrack remain iconic of the 1970s disco scene.

So do the dance moves.

Alfano laughed at the mention that Travolta only had to get the dance moves right once for the film.

“Every night is live theatre so it’s more about how we react to one another,” he said.

Even as a trained dancer, the choreography is “still incredibly exhausting. The physicality of the moves; I’m lucky for the training in my past. It is still challenging.”

So is the musical.

“It has the BeeGees music and newer songs are included,” Alfano said. “The show is a play with music, a musical and a dance show.”

SHOWTIME

Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Presenter series hosts the nationally touring production of “Saturday Night Fever.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 20.

Where: Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St.

Optional pre-show dinner: An optional dinner is available, 6 p.m., March 20, at Mathis. Advanced reservations a must. Reservations for dinner must be made by March 16.

Tickets, more information: Call (229) 247-2787; visit www.turnercenter.org; or visit the arts center, 527 N. Patterson St.