Community Corner

Stepping on Stage to Prepare for Life's Stage

Accompany of Kids 2011 Gala performance runs March 11 to 13; marks the final performance for many of its oldest members.

The average age for members of the performance group Accompany of Kids may be 14 years old, but when they step on stage these kids perform like Broadway veterans.

“This isn’t just a dance recital you need to sit through for two hours because your kids are in it,” said AOK President Renee Kolbeck. “Fifty percent of the people come to the shows because they like what the kids do.”

The group of about 40 10- to 20-year-old performers have been rehearsing long hours six days a week preparing for their Gala 2011 Broadway revue, “Young, Wild and Free…The Music in Me.”

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Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. March 11 and 12, and 2 p.m. March 12 and 13 at the North Middle School Auditorium, N88W16750 Garfield Dr.

AOK will sing and dance to cross-generational musical selections from Michael Jackson, the Broadway hit Rent, the Beatles, '50s rock and Woodstock. Although the music is a mix of old and new, all selections are tied together by the theme of freedom.

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“All the songs are centered on being youthful, free, and being able to express yourself,” said AOK Director John Shull. “The whole show revolves around that theme.”

Chelsea Winter, and 18-year-old performer with AOK, said their performance of Florence and the Machine’s “Dog Days are Over” is one to keep an eye on. A former AOK performer choreographed the dance.

Shull said the performance features a good balance of dance and music, and said people will be impressed by the professionalism of the young performers.

“I hope people leave the theater with a renewed faith in the youth of today,” Shull said.

Performing on Stage, Performing in Life

During the year, AOK may perform 40 or more shows locally and throughout the state. They’ve performed at Summerfest, Germanfest, Noah’s Ark, Riversplash and Bastille Days.

However, performing on stage is just a fraction of what AOK kids do. AOK is a place to give youth opportunities to gain self-confidence, leadership skills and grow into successful adults.

“It’s more than just performing, although we use performance to get there,” Shull said.

Since he started the performing group 23 years ago, Shull has seen roughly 380 kids grow through the program. While some AOK alumni became Broadway actors, others found their niche as lawyers, trail guides, scientists or countless other fields.

“Not everyone comes out a star, but they come out successful,” Shull said.

AOK performers frequently perform at senior-outreach events and actively participate in the Adopt-a-Highway service project.

Performing long hours throughout the year forges strong family bonds between everyone involved with AOK. Children start in AOK’s youth program at the tender age of 4, and can stick with the group until they are 20. Those in the group that have stuck it out for the long haul are affectionately called “lifers.”

“It’s a very family-oriented organization,” said Sherry Storsved, marketing director with AOK. “For kids to have success in their lives they also need a lot of involved adults. It’s a very supportive group here.”

High school seniors Ricky Sparrow, an 11-year AOK performer, and 10-year veteran Tony Cortez are what you would call “lifers.” This is the final year for both as they move forward in their education.

“Over the years I’ve grown more confident in myself and have gained leadership skills,” Cortez said.

Both Cortez and Sparrow epitomize the type of individual shaped by their experience with AOK. Cortez has received more than $50,000 in scholarships to study Biomedicine at Marquette University. Sparrow recently earned his Eagle Scout rank after building a boardwalk for the Menomonee Falls Historical Society.

Annual Gala a Time to Say Goodbye

For many longtime AOK performers, the annual Gala marks their final performance with the group. Storsved said this is the show where tears are shed as the oldest performers enter a new chapter in their life.

It’s tradition at AOK for the senior members to give a speech to the cast before the performance. Sparrow said he’s been planning his speech since the 2010 Gala.

“I’m just going to tell everyone to go out on stage, give it all you have, and have the time of your life,” Cortez said.

Tickets for the performance are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and students. The Sunday matinee performance is $7 for students and seniors. For more information call 251-2255 or visit www.aokwi.org.


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