I got Connie, Renee, and Sean to interview for an article!

Hey people. I do not think I ever posted this hear yet. But, back in the spring, I got Connie Lew, Renee Sands, and Sean O'Riordan to interview for an article. Let me know what you all think. Here:

REMEMBERING “KIDS INCORPORATED”
If you were around and old enough to be coherent in the late 80’s-early ‘90’s, you probably remember Disney Channel shows such as “The Mickey Mouse Club.” As many know,
that is where pop stars Christina Aguilera, Brittney Spears, and Justin Timberlake put on some of their first performances.
However, there is another show that also really stands out. It is where Stacey “Fergie” Ferguson (“Stacey,” 1984-1989) from the Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Love Hewitt (‘Robin,” 1989-1991) from “Ghost Whisperer,”Eric Balfour (“Eric,” 1991) from “24,” and Mario Lopez (dancer, 1984-1986) from “Saved by the Bell” got some of their first experiences in showbiz. Brittany Murphy from the movie “Sin City” and various others also made a guest appearance as “Celeste” in the 1992 episode titled ‘Lay Off.” The show in question is “Kids Incorporated” or KI for short. The show first aired in September 1984. The original pilot was actually made in 1983 and released later in 1984 under the title of “Kids Incorporated: The Beginning.” They also released a special for New Year’s 1986 called “Kids Incorporated: Rock in the New Year.” From 1984-1985, the show was picked up by local stations around the country before being taken by the Disney Channel in 1986 for the rest of its run. It was temporarily put on hold in 1990 and continued in 1991. Each season took place during the calendar year, not the fall-spring time frame that is used with most shows. Taping began in the summer and was done in Los Angeles, California.
The program revolved around a band made up of 4-6 kids aged 9-17. 80’s heartthrob Ryan Lambert (“Ryan,” 1985-1988) and Martika Marrero (“Gloria,” 1984-1986), each 17 in their last seasons, were the oldest cast members during the show’s run from 1984-1993. The band performed at a local malt shop called “The P*lace” (the “a” on the neon sign was burned out) where they were supervised by the establishment’s adult manager, played by Moosie Drier (“Riley,” 1984-1988), Sean O’Riordan (“Flip,” 1989-1992), and Dena Burton (“Dena,” 1993). They played a mixture of contemporary hits, oldies, and originals that were written for the show. The songs were either performed on stage or as part of music videos. The plots revolved around adventures that varied between real and imaginary. Tough issues such as friendship and honesty were also dealt with in the typical kiddie manner. Most of the songs used were somehow connected to the plots. The theme song was performed by whoever was in the band during the current season.
Over the years, frequent changes were made to the cast. Cast members left the show when they aged out or for other sometimes unknown reasons. When Jerry Sharell (“Mickey,” 1984), Martika Marrero, Rahsaan Patterson (“The Kid,” 1984-1987), Renee Sandstrom (“Renee,” 1984-1987), and Moosie Drier left the show, an explanation for their departures was written into the plot. However, for other members who left, nothing was said.
Looking back at the show seems to bring either a great feeling of nostalgia, embarrassment in the area of “how the hell could I ever like this cheesy crap,” a lot of laughter, or any combination of the few. One thing that gets pointed out is the amount of supposed flirting that went on between Ryan and Stacey during stage performances in the ’88 season. For example, during the performances of the Supremes’ “Stop! In the Name of Love” and the Foreigners’ “Say You Will.”
A few of the former cast members were interviewed. They were asked if they feel more nostalgia, embarrassment, or just plain filled with laughter when they look back at themselves on the show and if it is more annoying or nice when people recognize them because of it.
“All of the above, but mostly nostalgia,” said Connie Lew. Ms. Lew was also asked how being on the show affected her as a person, to which she responded, “I don’t know that being on Kids Incorporated really changed me that much as a person. I think I would have still grown up to be the person I am now. If anything, it just gave me more childhood memories to cherish.” As for the as the recognition goes, “I think it’s nice.”
“Laughter,” Sean O’Riordan said. “I didn’t have a care in the world. Yeah, the shows are cheesy and infantile, but it was funny.” He also added, “I don’t mind being recognized, it doesn’t happen often.”
Renee Sandstrom had this to say, “It’s not embarrassment nor is it really laughter. It’s more of a nostalgia thing for me.” She then said, “It’s always nice (to be recognized).”
In 1991, Ms. Sandstrom and Stacey Ferguson formed a musical group called “Wild Orchid” with a fellow singer named Stephanie Ridel. The group disbanded in 2004. Currently, Ms. Sandstrom is doing movies, while Sean O’Riordan works as a professional photographer in Los Angeles, California. Connie Lew is currently practicing law in California. Ryan Lambert, also known for appearing as “Rudy” in the 1987 cult classic titled “The Monster Squad,” is now in a San Fransisco, California based rock band called Elephone.
For more information:
Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com)
TV.com
Wikipedia Encyclopedia (Wikipedia.org)
YouTube (YouTube.com)

Completed in May 2007.


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