From holding a prop in last year’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” to a leading role in “Grease,” Charlie, a client at New View Industries, is making long strides toward independence.
Fostering independence is one objective of New View Industries, which will bring the musical “Grease” to the stage Thursday, Feb. 27. New View Industries helps develop disabled individuals into productive members of society through a variety of social and vocational services.
An energetic musical, “Grease” is filled with catchy songs and an inspiring story of young love.
Charlie, who plays Sonny, said he is excited and happy to be a part of the production.
Lynn Jones, production staff member at New View Industries, urged Charlie to participate in “The Wizard of Oz” last year, and after he agreed to hold a prop, he found he was comfortable in front of an audience. This year he accepted the challenge of a leading role.
Jones said it’s a challenge to help the clients become comfortable in new situations.
“At first they are unsure, but then they come alive,” she said.
Scott, a New View client who plays Danny, said being a part of this production is helping him to reach his goal of independence. He wants to live on his own and work in the community. He performs janitorial work at the New Beginnings Store and the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Oconto Falls and hopes to be a cashier in a store some day.
Forty-two New View clients are preparing for “Grease,” and it will be the second year the staff has tackled a major production.
Cory Rusch, a production staff member at New View, said after last year’s production, she noticed more self-esteem and confidence in the clients with whom she works.
For many years, the clients performed in talent shows to standing room-only crowds in the New View lunch room, before the talent show moved to the Falls Area Performing Arts Center at Oconto Falls High School. Jones felt they were ready for a bigger challenge, so in 2013 they presented “The Wizard of Oz.”
When Jones asks her clients what three things they must do in order for a production to be a success they answer, “Practice, practice, and then practice some more.”
The cast will get help from the Oconto Falls and Gillett school districts, parents and guardians, the Oconto County Economic Development Corporation and volunteers who provide costumes, technical support, musical scores, speaking parts and refreshments.
Under the supervision of teacher Gayle Gander, Oconto Falls High School students will provide technical support, including lights, sound and projection, and special effects. Gander said his students enjoy working with New View’s clients because the clients are so appreciative.
Gillett High School band director Jake Kulba is assisting with the music rehearsal recordings. Gillett students, under the direction of choir director Nathan McReynolds, are providing the background music for the production.
Thrilled with the amount of support received from the community, Jones said it fulfills another of New View’s objectives: integrating the clients into the community.
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