Message From Michael
(1960-2021)
Alive & Kickin Founder
Michael was a three time Ivey Award winner. He was also named the 2016, 2015 & 2010 Choreographer of the Year by Lavender Magazine. He was awarded the AARP “50 Over 50: Disruptor Award” in 2017 and the WCCO “Making A Difference Award” for his work with Alive & Kickin in 2010.
I have been so blessed and nourished in my Musical Theatre career and wanted to give a little back so I volunteered my time and talents and founded A&K in March 2010. I knew it would be something special but what I did not account for was the impact it would have on our members, their families and audiences alike. It has given many a reason to live and many a hope for aging.
There are so many misconceptions and attitudes towards seniors and this group helps break those down. They are witty, highly intelligent and accepting folk who live each day to the fullest. They are in the moment, unpretentious and don’t sweat the small stuff. They are the people who have built this country and have seen it all. They have an understanding, wisdom, and zest for life that can only come from decades of experience. They represent many diverse religious, ethnic and economic backgrounds.
Because of the type of music we sing, everything from Hank Williams, Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, Def Leopard, Amy Winehouse, and our favorite, Queen, we are able to bridge that gap between young and old, black and white, gay and straight. Alive & Kickin is an indescribably genuine group and they perform with raw honesty and vulnerability that is deeply moving and inspiring to all.
They have taught me patience, tolerance, and acceptance and to live each day as if it were your last. Many are battling physical challenges including cancer, heart disease, and failing bodies yet they push through and keep coming to share their talents. They remind me to love the people in our lives and to be grateful for every day I’m here “Alive & Kickin”.
We have performed at over 175 venues across the state from Senior Care Facilities, National Senior Conventions, Aging Conferences and State Capital Rallies. We have been featured on the cover of Southwest Airline’s Spirit Magazine, had numerous appearances on local TV stations as well as many articles in the press. I personally have received the WCCO Making A Difference Award and the prestigious AARP 50 over 50 Disrupter Award for my work with A&K.
Alive & Kickin is a Minnesota 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, and we are blessed with a highly skilled top-notch Board of Directors!
Alive & Kickin has now grown to 41 Rockin volunteer Cast Members and an incredible staff of 7. We have produced 9 full-length Theatrical Events, started our free SingOUT! program that serves our community every month and is now doing multigenerational collaborations with Stages Theatre Company.
A Special Thank You to the Arts Organizations, Foundations and all of YOU individuals, who have supported and believed in us over the last 10 years and mostly to the cast of Alive & Kickin, I am blessed and truly inspired by you…
Michael Matthew Ferrell
Executive/Artistic Director and Founder