2008 Soldier Show coming to Picatinny area Oct. 10

By Picatinny Arsenal Public Affairs OfficeSeptember 26, 2008

2008 Soldier Show coming to Picatinny area Oct. 10
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- The 2008 U.S. Army Soldier Show performers are scheduled to make an appearance at Morris Knolls High School Auditorium 6:15 p.m. Oct. 10.

The event is a high-energy, 90-minute, live musical review showcasing the talents of active-duty Soldiers who were selected by audition from throughout the Army.

They are amateur artists who have a passion for music, dance and performing. They come from aviation, biological, infantry, medical, musical, signal, transportation and other tactical units. The show is assembled in five weeks, and then tours for six months.

Soldier Show performers come from aviation, biological, infantry, medical, musical, signal, transportation and other tactical units.

"The 2008 Soldier Show will transport the audience to the Middle East to a combat area," Soldier Show Director Tim Higdon said. "The goal is to give the sense that we are watching the Soldiers return from a mission, who then take the time to put on a show for the audience."

"Since we're not taking the show to Baghdad, we're bringing Baghdad to the show," he explained.

The show will pay tribute to the coincidental 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's "Thriller," the best-selling album of all-time, and also pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of the modern era of the Soldier Show.

The cast will perform a World War II tune: "This is the Army, Mr. Jones," which was written in 1942 by Soldier Show founder Irving Berlin. Include some Rhianna and AC/DC and other popular songs, and you will have a well-balanced mix of family-friendly music in the production.

Two events will occur just before the curtain rises on the Soldier Show. First, Freedom Team Salute will recognize six Great Americans for their selfless service to the military. Second, the 2008 Army Community Covenant signing ceremony will be conducted by civilian and military leaders and celebrated by all in attendance.

Ticket information

Admission is free, but tickets must be picked up in advance. They can be obtained by the following:

For active-duty, National Guard, Reservist, retirees, and Picatinny employees call 973-724-4186 or 973-724-5515.

For general public, call Morris Hills High School at 973-664-2309 or Morris Knolls High School at 973-664-2209. No backpacks, baby strollers or food will be admitted.