Kids From Wisconsin’s 2024 summer production “Larger Than Life - The Great Entertainers” hits the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the New Richmond High School Auditorium, a place that should look familiar for some of the members of the ensemble.
The Mealey family, for instance, spans multiple generations of the tour.
New Richmond Band director Matt Mealey and Choir director Jodi Mealey met while performing as a trumpet player and singer/dancer, respectively, in the production tour 30 years ago.
With sons Josh and Kyle Mealey playing trumpet in the band, the family legacy continues. Josh and Kyle join two fellow New Richmond alumni: Emily Zeller, who will be singing and dancing, and singer/dancer understudy Amelia Blasing, available to the tour if called upon.
More information and tickets for the Kids June 28 performance are available at: Larger Than Life tickets.
Since 1969, the Kids From Wisconsin, a non-profit organization, has been providing the top young singers, dancers and musicians from around the state with a unique pre-professional summer tour.
Students ages 15-20 must demonstrate artistic talent, stage personality and choreography (singer/dancers) during a rigorous audition process to be selected as a member of the troupe featuring 22 singer/dancers and a 14-piece stage band. Members perform at venues large and small in approximately 40 communities across Wisconsin and the Midwest including daily performances during the Wisconsin State Fair entertaining more than 120,000 people over the summer.
The two-hour Broadway style revue is produced in collaboration with writers, arrangers and choreographers in addition to featuring a broad repertoire of music that includes American classics, big band hits, 50’s thru the 80's, swing/jazz, country, Broadway and current top hits.
"Larger than Life" performances will pay tribute to historic bands and orchestras that have sold out stadiums and legendary Broadway stars and classic entertainers from stage and screen.
(1) comment
Super story and snap by Reporter Tom Lindfors. And what a home town connection 30 years in the making!
Here's a "Break a leg" shout out to all involved out to all involved😊
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