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WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP — TUX is a penguin, so it makes sense that he would look to the 2006 movie “Happy Feet” to inspire his fancy dance moves.
“Oh, he studied it very carefully. He took notes,” said TUX’s friend, Mike Sullivan, of Mountain Top, who is up to date on the progress of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins mascot as he prepares to compete in the Dancing With the Stars of Wilkes-Barre fund-raiser for KISS Theatre.
Naturally, TUX is paying attention not only to the hip-hop routine his dance partner, Marikate Sullivan, of Wilkes-Barre, has choreographed for him, but also to his training diet.
“Lots of Taco Bell and ice cream,” Mike Sullivan said, adding TUX feels confident about his chances of coming out on top in the competition, which begins at 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at KISS Theatre in Joe Amato’s East End Centre. “He thinks he can win the whole thing.”
Six other competitors may have something to say about that, as they also prepare for the big dance off and anxiously check how they’re doing vote-wise.
Friends and fans can pay $1 a vote at dancingstarsofwilkesbarre.com to boost their favorites in the rankings and help them win the Peoples Choice Trophy. It’s up to the judges to see who will get the Judges Trophy.
Competitors include:
• Regional radio personality Fast Freddie Fabbri, dancing with Tara Corrigan.
• Kyle Reed, six time World Karate Champion and owner of Nepa Mixed Martial Arts in Larksville, dancing with Amber McKenna.
• Anne E. Rodella, director of sales and marketing at the F.M. Kirby Center, dancing with Michael Marone.
• Bruce Lefkowitz, R.Ph., a third-generation owner and a pharmacist at Harrold’s Pharmacy, Wilkes-Barre, which was founded in 1947 by his grandfather, Harold, and father, Barry Lefkowitz. His partner is Cathie Julius.
• Kimberly McLendon, a chef/cooking show host at Rustic Kitchen Mohegan Sun. Her partner is Sean Bromiley.
• Ed Ciarimboli, a partner in the law firm of Fellerman & Ciarimboli, dancing with Mary Siejak.
• TUX with choreographer Marikate Sullivan.
For some of the participants, this competition is the most intense dancing of their lives.
“I danced a little when I was a child,” Rodella said.
“I would just dance freestyle at weddings,” Lefkowitz said one evening last week before practicing triple steps, rock steps and even a lift with partner Julius.
“Don’t tell people our whole routine,” Julius cautioned a reporter. “We want it to be a surprise.”
Rodella and her dance partner, Marone, also want to keep some details, such as their costumes, a secret until the big night.
No matter who wins, several participants said, they’re glad the proceeds will benefit KISS Theatre, which describes itself as “an inclusive, bully-free zone” that welcomes all children, ages 4 to 18, including those with special needs and those who require financial assistance.
“Dancing, singing, acting — they do it all,” Julius said.
“It’s definitely an organization I believe in,” Rodella said. “In my personal and professional life, one of my most important goals is to make theater accessible to everyone.”
Patrons can buy tickets ($15 to $25) for the event through [email protected] in advance. They can also vote for their favorites online in advance, and until 15 minutes after the last dance takes place.
