MILWAUKEE (Spectrum News) -- For the first time in more than five decades, Kids from Wisconsin will not be hitting the road for a summer tour. 

Known as "Wisconsin's Premiere Musical Ambassadors" since 1969, the group is made up of performers between the ages of 15 to 20. Kids from Wisconsin typically tours the Midwest every summer, and this year they originally planned to hit over 40 locations throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa. Audiences are known to total in at 3,000 strong. 

Location hosts and audiences alike expressed concerns about potential cancellations and poor turnout due to the pandemic. 

“It’s really difficult for a group that has brought so much joy to audiences and helped so many young performers over the last 51 consecutive summers to make this decision to cancel,” says Tim Riesterer, board president for the Kids From Wisconsin. “But, after a thorough evaluation of the health and safety concerns and watching many other festivals and musical events cancel or postpone, it became clear this was the only wise choice.”

The 2020 show, which was originally set to debut June 25, is a two-hour Broadway-style revue dubbed "LIVE! In Living Color." While audiences won't have the chance to enjoy their musical talent in person, Kids from Wisconsin is releasing a mini virtual performance. Instead of a full show, the opener will last less than five minutes and aims to highlight the kids' hard work this season. 

In the interest of health and safety, the organization also canceled hands-on workshops and sensory-friendly shows, both of which are part of its "Realize Your Dreams" outreach program.