Soldier Show entertains Fort Leonard Wood

By Mrs. Melissa K Buckley (Leonard Wood)August 7, 2014

Soldier Show entertains Fort Leonard Wood
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Hundreds of troops and Family members enjoyed a live Broadway-style variety performance July 31 and Friday during the 2014 U.S. Army Soldier Show at Abrams Theater.

To get the crowd excited before the show, troops were invited to stand in the aisles and show off their dance moves, then a few Soldiers and Airmen-in-training were invited on stage to sing for their fellow service members.

This year's production, "Stand Strong," explored the foundational elements of what it is that instills the strength and character of performing Soldiers and the Army.

While performing current chart topping hits, heavy messages about sexual harassment, suicide and death were addressed.

Pvt. Anthony Yax, Company C, 35th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, said his favorite song was "All of Me."

"They did it as a memorial song. It was really powerful," Yax said. "I could relate to a lot of the songs."

He said the Soldier Show was a welcome break to his training schedule.

"Right now we are learning about explosives. It's tedious work. It's nice to be able to relax and clear my mind," Yax said. "I love music. It is always great."

Pvt. John McKeever, Company B, 787th Military Police Battalion, 14th Military Police Brigade, said after watching the Soldier Show he and his battle buddies were in a good mood.

"When I walked in and saw the stage I was like, 'wow.' This is so cool," McKeever said. "We are starting Gold Phase, our final phase, tomorrow. We are pretty excited about that. Watching the Soldier Show is a nice break from training. It helps morale. We will be ready to tackle Gold Phase first thing in the morning."

As in the past, the cast and crew were selected to exemplify the Army Values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

The U.S. Army Installation Management Command selected 19 cast and 2 crewmembers to deliver the "Stand Strong" theme.

Army Entertainment, a division of Installation Management Command's G9 Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs, made the selections through a weeklong process including live auditions, full military screening and fitness testing.

The Soldier Show is a totally self-contained touring operation where the cast and crew travel to a select Army garrison locations, load-in and set-up for the show and then entertain all comers, both Soldier and civilian. After the show, the same cast and crew have the responsibility to breakdown and load-out for the next show.

Find out more about the U.S. Army Soldier Show and the entire tour schedule at www.armymwr.com/recleisure/entertainment/soldiershow/. For information about the U.S. Army Entertainment activities, go to www.ArmyEntertainment.net.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood