Milwaukee Post
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/996995
16 • Milwaukee County Post • June 22, 2018 ENTERTAINMENT Kids from Wisconsin ready to celebrate 50th By CATHERINE JOZWICK Special to the Post This summer, the Kids from Wisconsin will cele- brate their 50th season with "Shine the Light," a musical featuring hits from the late- 1960s to the new millenni- um. According to previously published information, the show is "designed as a multi- generational crowd pleaser." "It's a great year to see the show. We'll be bringing back old favorites," said Kids director Tina Weiss, whose son, Matthew, performed as a Kid from 2012-2013. Weiss said the production features 22 singers who dance and a 14-piece jazz band, consisting of four trumpets, two pianos, a bass guitar, strings and wood- winds. The Kids from Wisconsin was established in 1968, authorized by Douglas Weiford, secretary of the Department of Local Affairs and Development, as part of Wisconsin Gov. Warren Knowles' Youth Power Program. In a time of turbu- lence, when youths were often viewed as troublemak- ing hippies, the clean-cut Kids proved to be immensely popular. The Kids performed at the Wisconsin State Fair for the first time in 1969. They now play dozens of shows a sea- son throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest, including two daily at the State Fair, attracting crowds as large as 3,000. Kids members, ages 15 to 20, are "selected through an intense process throughout the state," said Weiss, and go through a grueling 15 days of rehearsals starting June 2. This year, after February auditions, 36 out of 300 per- formers were chosen. To date, the Kids has 1,000 alumni and have performed with artists including Diana Ross, Johnny Cash, and the Carpenters. Many Kids have pursued music and acting careers, including professional musi- cian and composer Augie Haas, who has worked as a trumpet player for jazz crooner Harry Connick, Jr. "It's a great jumping-off point," Weiss said. 'Super-talented group' New Kids member and Wauwatosa resident Dan Va n Z e e l a n d , 18, is one of the two piano players in the jazz band. "It's a super-talented group of kids. I'm honored to be a part of it," he said. As part of his audition, VanZeeland played a key- board piece inspired by innovative pianist Herbie Hancock. A jazz fan, he is inspired by piano greats McCoy Tyner and Oscar Peterson. A senior at Wauwatosa West High School, VanZeeland has been play- ing piano since the age of 7, and also plays accordion, cello, and upright and elec- tric bass. Besides playing with the Wisconsin Conserva-tory of Music's big band, he played in the o r c h e s t r a for high school musi- cal produc- t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g " A n y t h i n g Goes" and "Chicago" and also worked as a theater technician, all good training for a Kid. "I like to get my feet in as many doors as possible," said VanZeeland, who is looking forward to his first year as a Kid. "It's definitely going to be exciting," he said. 'Came out of the womb singing' Waukesha resident Kayla Henderson, 18, will be join- ing the Kids a second year as a singer and dancer. Last year, she held the role of understudy. "I love the Kids and the atmosphere," she said. "It's great to be around people with the same passion, drive and motivation." Henderson, who began performing in theater when she was in middle school, has been singing for as long as she can remember. "I came out of the womb singing," she said. Recently, Henderson won a Jerry Award for her performance as the dragon in a school production of "Shrek." Henderson, who graduat- ed from Waukesha West High School in January, will be attending Columbia College in Chicago this fall. She plans to major in singing/songwriting and minor in music business and vocal performance. Although Henderson's first Kids audition was nerve-racking, this year's was easier. Cast and crew were very supportive, and rehearsals were fun and challenging. Many of the Kids are in prime physical shape "like bodybuilders," Henderson said.ut she feels confident and prepared for upcoming performances. "This year, I'm coming in ready," she said. At a time when youth looked and acted rebellious, the clean-cut Kids from Wisconsin drew audiences everywhere they went. Submitted photo The Kids from Wisconsin have become known for skill, sending many alumni into the professional entertainment ranks after their tour with the group. Submitted photo Known for an array of musical and singing abilities, the Kids from Wisconsin continue to please audiences. Submitted photo Henderson VanZeeland