Wilkes University theater students prepare for ‘A Chorus Line’ audition

WILKES-BARRE — Auditions won’t take place until January, but theater students at Wilkes University are already getting ready to tackle the challenging choreography in an April production of “A Chorus Line.”

How difficult is their thrice-weekly ballet/tap/jazz workout?

“After this, I go to a science class where it’s about 100 degrees,” Kris Tjornhom, of Dingmans Ferry, said. “I sweat here and I just keep sweating.”

“It’s a good way to lose weight and a good way to wake up,” said Alex Booth, of New Hampton, N.Y. “I’ve got classes after this and rehearsal at night (for the November show, “Pippin”). Without this, I’d be a zombie.”

“This class would normally explore all different styles of dance,” instructor Lynne Mariani said as the students ran, leapt and pirouetted across the studio floor. “But because ‘A Chorus Line’ is coming up, we decided to concentrate on that.”

Mariani’s resume includes dancing on Broadway in “Cats” and Bob Fosse’s “Dancin,’” and the students said they appreciate her first-hand knowledge about auditioning in New York City.

“Even though there are so many of us, she finds a way to nitpick us,” Joshua Shepard, of Milford, said with a smile. “She told me to make sure I don’t have a ‘dead’ face.”

“The majority of us want to go out and do something professional,” said Brianna Schunk, of York. “This is preparing us for the real world.”

Melissa Berardelli and Gianna Chase, both from the Scranton area, said they performed in a community production of “A Chorus Line” last year and find Mariani’s choreography more demanding — which they consider a good thing.

“I’m very grateful for the way Lynne is right there to push us,” agreed Celena Granito, of Schuylkill County. “She says, ‘You’re gonna learn it and you’re gonna sweat and it’s gonna hurt, but it’s OK.”

Instructor Lynne Mariani, who has danced on Broadway, helps Wilkes students prepare for a university production.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_TTL100517DanceClass1.jpg.optimal.jpgInstructor Lynne Mariani, who has danced on Broadway, helps Wilkes students prepare for a university production. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Theater students run, leaping, across the floor of a studio in Wilkes University’s Dorothy Dickson Darte Center. They are preparing to audition next semester for a production of ‘A Chorus Line.’

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_TTL100517DanceClass2.jpg.optimal.jpgTheater students run, leaping, across the floor of a studio in Wilkes University’s Dorothy Dickson Darte Center. They are preparing to audition next semester for a production of ‘A Chorus Line.’ Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Students have described their three-times-a-week class as a workout that makes them sweat and sometimes hurts ‘but that’s OK.’

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_TTL100517DanceClass3.jpg.optimal.jpgStudents have described their three-times-a-week class as a workout that makes them sweat and sometimes hurts ‘but that’s OK.’ Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Theater students take a break before a dance class at Wilkes University.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_TTL100517DanceClass4.jpg.optimal.jpgTheater students take a break before a dance class at Wilkes University. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Dance class begins with stretching exercises for the students, some of whom have been studying dance since they were preschoolers or in elementary school, and some of whom started on the university level.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_TTL100517DanceClass5.jpg.optimal.jpgDance class begins with stretching exercises for the students, some of whom have been studying dance since they were preschoolers or in elementary school, and some of whom started on the university level. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Elements of jazz, tap and ballet are part of the choreography for ‘A Chorus Line.’

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_TTL100517DanceClass6.jpg.optimal.jpgElements of jazz, tap and ballet are part of the choreography for ‘A Chorus Line.’ Aimee Dilger | Times Leader