FORT STEWART, GA -- The 2008 Army Soldier Show thrilled the crowd of nearly 250 Soldiers and Family at Newman Fitness Center, during a two night performance, Sept. 24, 25.
The 90-minute show, consisting solely of Soldiers representing 15 different Army posts, featured professional quality singing and dancing, covering popular music from the 1940's to contemporary music of today.
"This was the second time I've seen the show, so I knew I had to bring the Family to see it," said Maj. Shannon Ellis, MEDDAC, who attended the show with his wife Palma Ellis, and grand-children Dominic, 12, Anthony, 10, and Makayla, 10.
"The show had a lot of good music, I specially liked that every segment was really unique and there was a few numbers based around the deployed Soldiers," said Ellis.
Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the modern day version of the show first appeared in 1984 as a high quality touring production on par with professional traveling shows in production and design.
Original Soldier shows began as far back as the 1920's consisting of various talent and variety shows.
The cast of the Soldier Show consists of Soldiers from the active Army, Army Reserve and National Guard.
Once accepted into the production, the Soldiers will tour for one year.
During that time, the Soldier will join the fold of the continuously evolving show. In addition to being a performer, the Soldier is a large part of the setup and design of the program.
"Joining the Soldier Show has truly been a learning experience," said Sgt. Joshua Hamilton, a joint network node operator with 15th Sustainment Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas, and cast member of the Soldier Show since February.
"I've never experienced anything like being in a big time production until this," said Hamilton, a Pensacola, Fla. native. "Setting up and breaking down every couple of days, nonstop traveling; you start to lose track of what day it is; however, it's still all worth it."
Auditions for the Soldier Show are open to all active duty, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard with sufficient time in service remaining.
Social Sharing