BWW Interviews: On the LINE with Sandra Kennelly of Keeton's A CHORUS LINE

Director/choreographer Kate Adams-Johnson, aka Nashville theater's busiest woman, pulled out all the stops as she was putting yet another cast through the paces that led up to yet another opening night (Thursday, June 9). Only this time, she was serious. Very serious. The show she helmed for this particular opening night, you see, was every dancer's holy grail: A Chorus Line.

 "In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line the musical for everyone who's ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards, including "Best Musical" and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever," reads publicity for the upcoming production.

In the cast, there's a blend familiar faces from local Theater Productions and a whole slew of newcomers. During the run-up to the show's opening night, we introduced you to members of Kate's cast - and now that the show is up and running, we're happy to introduce you to another cast member...Sandra Kennelly...

Where's your hometown, Sandra?
My hometown is kind of a toss up: I moved from Culver City, California, around six years ago after having lived there for about seven years. I now live in Franklin and absolutely love it here! I would definitely call Tennessee my home. I currently attend Centennial High School in Franklin, and just finished my junior year.

What are some of the shows you've done?
I've done alot of community theater shows in Franklin but my favorites would include: Peter Pan with Starbright Players as Tiger Lily, Suessical with Pull-Tight Players as JoJo, and Titanic with Circle Players/Keeton Theater as a Stewardess.

What character do you play in A Chorus Line?
I am Connie MacKenzie. The full name is Connie Edna May Sue MacKenzie, but please don't tell anybody! :)

What's been your biggest challenge?
This show has been more challenging than a lot of the shows I've been in. The more natural, normal feel of the characters threw me off; I had gotten used to slightly overdoing my acting. The characters in A Chorus Line really aren't "characters," they're people. Real individuals. So, I had to work a little more to make sure I was true to myself.

What was your first exposure to A Chorus Line?
When I heard the Keeton Theater was going to be doing a show called A Chorus Line, I thought I might look it up on YouTube. My eight-year old sister sits in the room with me as I research. So I'm looking up A Chorus Line and click on the first thing that comes up. Of course. "Tits, and Ass...bought myself a fancy pair..."

How has the rehearsal process been for you?
Surprisingly enough, the rehearsal schedule has been quite manageable. Our cast focuses when coming into rehearsal so we accomplish a lot in the time allotted. We still have some work to do, but it's been really great so far!

So You Think You Can Dance or Dancing With the Stars?
Personally, my family doesn't have cable so I don't watch either. But I'll go with So You Think You Can Dance because I've actually seen a bit of it.

Where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line was on Broadway?
Not yet born :)

What's your favorite song from the show's score?
"What I Did for Love" has to be my favorite song in the show. It's so moving, beautiful, and truly unforgettable. The core of the song haunts its audience with truth, leaving an impression upon the hearts of all those who stop to really listen to the lyrics and the melody. Every performer relates to the song, recalling all the things they gave up to pursue their passion, the parts of themselves they gave to performing and their love for their art still, whether it's singing, acting, dancing, or all of the above. We all know that everything must come to an end, but the love and beauty involved in almost every aspect of this life makes it all worthwhile.

A Chorus Line. Directed and choreographed by Kate Adams-Johnson. Presented by The Larry Keeton Theatre, 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville. June 9-25. Evening shows are at 7:00 p.m., Seating for dinner at 6:00 p.m. Matinee shows are at 2:00 p.m., Seating for lunch at 1:00 p.m.  Show tickets: $25.00 with a $1.00 ticketing fee. Show only tickets: $20.00 Special Thursday Patron's Special: $10.00 show only tickets Tickets are available through www.ticketsnashville.com or by calling (615) 883-8375. For more details, visit the company website at www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org.

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