DAVENPORT, Iowa (Sept. 21, 2010) -- Focusing this year on a theme of social media to reflect the lifestyle of today's youth, the 2010 Soldier Show left a packed house at Adler Theater Sept. 14 ecstatic -- if audience reaction is any indicator.
The title theme this year is "Soldier Show v.27.0" which marked the 27th year since the re-establishment of the modern show as one of the Army's marketing crown jewels and marks the computer revolution that began in 1983.
"This year we recognize the impact of technology on the Army, its personnel and the 'connected' nature of the country we protect," explained Maj. Gen. Reuben D. Jones, commanding general of the Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Command, headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va., in the Soldier Show program handout.
"Today's Soldiers incorporate technological innovations into almost every aspect of their daily lives. Our Army is in a state of transformation as we use these technologies here at home and on the battlefield," Jones said. "We're adapting new technology, like social media, to help keep Soldiers connected with their families and friends no matter where the mission takes them."
Following the performance, Joel Himsl, garrison manager, Rock Island Arsenal, accepted a framed gift on behalf of RIA and presented one to Soldier Show personnel.
This year's set design employs a semi-transparent screen lowered onto the stage between songs, displaying internet images. A click of a virtual mouse introduced the next genre of music.
As usual in a variety show, there was a mix of gospel, country, rock'n'roll, and heavy metal during the 75-minute production.
The screen rose as Soldier Show performers came out to dance, sing, and play instruments.
This year's use of instruments was slightly different than in past years. A "group" consisting of drums, bass, keyboards and guitar were positioned not as a close-proximity combo, but rather spread across the stage to blend in with their dancing and singing comrades.
For many, the show's highlight was Sgt. Kevin Cherry, assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division Band, Fort Stewart, Ga. He hit the stage in a wig and glittery black and silver clothes -- and wearing that famous glove -- in a tribute to Michael Jackson.
Cherry moon-danced and sang his way through Jackson's "Billie Jean," mesmerizing some attendees with his spot-on dance routine.
"Being on stage brings me much joy and peace. Participating in the Soldier Show provides that peace and allows me to share it with my fellow Soldiers," Cherry stated in the program handout. "I truly love and respect the stage."
The cast includes 22 Soldier-performers and four military crew members. Backing them are 13 military cadre and dedicated Army Entertainment civilians, all working hard to support the Soldier Show from initial tryouts to the last bow.
Not only do cast members perform, but they are also responsible for the show's production and logistics, moving 40,000 pounds of technical equipment to more than 50 locations in the United States and Europe.
According the FMWRC website, the kick-off show was April 23 at Fort Belvoir, Va. The tour is scheduled to end Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day, at Camp Casey, South Korea.
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