By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
For three area teenagers, this summer is a great chance to be a kid from Wisconsin.
Pun intended.
Burlington’s Madison Gruman and Brandon Lindemann, along with Muskego’s Kyle Johnson-Evers, are touring with the performing group “Kids from Wisconsin” for the second consecutive year.
In addition, Peggy Morgan Strimple – from Burlington – is one of this year’s choreographers and artistic staff consultants.
The “Kids” will come to Burlington, Friday, June 10, to put on a hometown show at 7 p.m.
For Gruman, although it was the third time she had auditioned for the troupe, she still had nerves.
“There’s still so many talented people that audition, you never know what’s going to happen,” she explained.
As it turned out, the Viterbo University vocal performance and music education double major didn’t need to worry. In addition to her, Lindemann, Johnson-Evers, and about 50 percent of last year’s cast has returned.
Gruman, along with the other cast members, endured a three-week camp at the Tommy Thompson Center at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds to learn the show. The premiere performance was June 24 at West Allis Central High School.
This year’s show includes – as is the normal – music from several different genres and decades, including a Carol King medley and 1920s music from the musical “Bullets over Broadway.”
“I’m really excited to have Burlington get to see it again,” Gruman said. “It’s just such a talented group of people.
“It’s really cool to share that passion,” she added.
She’s also pleased to get to share it with Lindemann again.
“Me and Brandon, we grew up together,” Gruman said. “I think it’s really cool that we get to be in this together. It’s cool to share this with one of my best friends.”
Johnson-Evers, meanwhile, went from playing the saxophone last year to being on the keyboards this season.
“I auditioned for both, and I didn’t really specify which one I’d rather be on,” Johnson-Evers said. “I don’t have to memorize any of the show this year, but there’s more continuous playing and pretty difficult parts.”
The decision to audition for another season, though, wasn’t difficult.
“Deciding to do it this year was an easy choice for me,” he said. “It’s a great experience for a young musician. You get a lot of performing experience at a young age.”
Lindemann could not be reached for comment by press deadline, but earlier this year had expressed excitement at getting a second chance with the “Kids.”
He said last year, after a hometown performance in August, “If I make it again (next year), I know I’ll have an amazing summer.”
Outreach event
Kids from Wisconsin will offer a free outreach activity from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. the day of the show.
Children ages 7 to 13 who are interested in performing are invited to participate in the mini-camp, led by members of the performance troupe. Gruman is one of the outreach leaders this year.
Participants will get a chance to sing and dance with the 33 members of the troupe, and get to participate in a question and answer session afterward.
To sign up, contact BHS choir director Penny Yanke at [email protected].
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