Main Street Song and Dance Troupe Goes to Summerfest | Arts & Culture

A group of high energy performers took the stage at Summerfest on July 1st and 3rd, impressing crowds with vocal and dancing talent. The only surprising thing about this otherwise typical Big Gig scene? The performers are all between 11-18 years old. And they’re all part of the Germantown based Main Street Song and Dance Troupe. This was their first Summerfest performance.

The performers, selected by audition to become part of the group, puts on shows throughout the year, showcasing local teen talent throughout Waukesha County and the Greater Milwaukee Area. Each member is skilled in both singing and dancing, and many receive opportunities to solo during each show. Like an episode of the popular musical TV series “Glee” that’s been freed from the screen, the group specializes in show-stopping group numbers, many pulled from Broadway musical repertoire.

President Anne Farrenkopf, who helped form the group, says that Main Street has grown incredibly since its beginning: “I have often this summer had an overwhelming feeling of amazement at how far we have come in two years since we started from scratch—just a few parents sitting in my family room talking about a dream.”  Farrenkopf also cites the group’s director, Jeremy Nickolai, as a key element in the “magic” of Main Street’s success. Under his leadership, the troupe has grown from a small cadre of kids to a performing powerhouse that has become so popular, they’ve had to turn some venues down. Main Street is in demand and performing all summer long.

Did you miss Main Street at Summerfest? Not to worry. The performing group has several shows left this summer. Upcoming Main Street performances include the Village Park Concert Series in Menomonee Falls, July 15 at 6:30pm and Festa Italiana, July 16-18 at 1:30pm. More information and additional showtimes are available on the Main Street Song and Dance Troupe website.

Photo Credit/David Erickson