By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
Two Burlington students will have a grand homecoming next Friday.
Madison Gruman – a recent graduate of Burlington High School – and Brandon Lindemann both made the roster this summer for “Kids from Wisconsin.” The performance troupe travels the state throughout the summer, performing in various venues and at the Wisconsin State Fair.
This year’s schedule brings the group into Burlington Aug. 15 for a 7 p.m. performance in the BHS auditorium.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Children under 3 are free.
It’s been a busy summer for the duo, who have traveled with the group everywhere from Dodgeville to River Falls to Antigo to Markesan – and then returned to their summer home of the Wisconsin State Fair July 31.
The troupe performs twice a day at the State Fair, and then hits the road again once the fair closes, going to Wisconsin Rapids, Fond du Lac, and De Pere on consecutive days before dropping into Burlington on the 15th.
Gruman was shocked to find out the show in Burlington was coming up so quickly.
“That’s next week already?” she asked, quickly adding that she’s been looking forward to the performance all summer – a summer full of dedication to the arts.
“It’s a lot of hard work, I would have to say,” Gruman said. “Honestly, it’s incredible. I live in Wisconsin, but I’ve never seen all of it.”
Gruman said the group has performed in venues ranging from professional stadiums to high school stages, with the travel an added bonus.
“We have a coach bus or a school bus, depending on how far we go,” she said. “We create friendships that will last a lifetime.
“I’ve made some really good friends in this group.”
Gruman, who will head to Viterbo University in La Crosse in the fall, said the performance opportunities this summer have been incredible.
Some of the audiences have been 2,000 or more, and the performances at the State Fair have been packed. In addition to the main show, the performers get a chance to do “Kids Encore,” which allows individuals to show off their talent.
Gruman has partnered with Lindemann for a duet, singing “Rhythm of Love” by the Plain White T’s. She’s also performed with Alaric Frenzi of Mayville, and with Kenosha’s Lexie Chiasson.
“I think it’s the best experience I will ever have performing,” said Gruman, who added performing on a stage has been a dream of hers.
“It’s a professional group, so it’s awesome to have that experience.”
Lindemann said this summer has been everything he could’ve hoped for, “and more.”
“The people I’ve met are amazing,” Lindemann said. “The staff is just wonderful.
“And just performing at all the venues – it’s the most amazing experience.”
Lindemann said the experience has also opened his mind to performing in college.
“It’s really broadened my future career, hopefully,” he said.
He said he’s happy to be coming home and seeing all his friends and family.
“I can’t wait to see the amount of support that comes in,” he said.
Lindemann said he is planning on returning to the Kids troupe again next summer.
“I’ve become close with the entire troupe,” he said. “It’s like we’ve become one big family. I love it.
“If I make it again, I know I’ll have an amazing summer.”
He’s expecting a positive response to the show in Burlington, calling it “amazing.”
“It’s a range of everything,” he added. “We have a musical theater medley, popular music … we have everything.
“It appeals to everyone.”
Tickets are available at the Coffee House at Chestnut and Pine in Burlington, at BHS by calling (262) 763-0200, by calling Weis at (262) 716-4810, or by emailing BHS choir director Penny Yanke at [email protected].
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