Army Soldier Show brings sophistication, glitz

By Rona S. HirschMay 13, 2009

U.S. Army Soldier Show visits Fort Meade
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Fort Meade, Md. - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Elaine Hudson (center), Reserve Staff Sgt. Nafrettifi Griffin and Spc. Carlos Benefield croon at the "NCO Club" in a
tribute to the Year of the NCO during the
90-minute musical revue put on by the U.S. Army S... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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U.S. Army Soldier Show visits Fort Meade
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Fort Meade, Md. - Moments before showtime, an announcer in a head mic warms up the crowd, then counts off five fingers. "We should be ready to go live in a few seconds," he shouts. "And we're back in five, four, three, two and one."

As the call letters WMWR flash onstage, the announcer claps his hands above his head, a signal to applaud. While some audience members searched in vain for TV cameras, the realistic setting is the theme for the 2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show, "Lights, Camera, Action."

Originality is a hallmark of the annual production, presented May 6 at the Fort Meade Pavilion.

The glitzy, 90-minute musical review combines a variety of music genres - country, pop, R&B, rap, Motown and patriotic songs - with stylish choreography and high-tech lighting.

"It was great," Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Esmond Bakker said. "They do a great job every year."

Despite heavy rains, nearly 500 people attended the popular production.

"It was awesome as always," said Command Sgt. Maj. David Roper of the National Security Agency, who attended with his wife, Karen, and three of their daughters. "I like the fact that it's a variety: the songs, the choreography. Any time you can see a high-quality live show is impressive. And I like the fact that they recruit out of the units - about half are combat veterans. They're just Soldiers, and it's just awesome that we have this kind of talent in the ranks."

Presented to 46 installations over six months, the Soldier Show debuted April 24 and will end Nov. 4. Soldiers audition from throughout the Army. The fast-paced production features 40 songs including toe-tapping group numbers and strong vocals by the 18 performers, who also set up and tear down the elaborate sets. The live TV studio theme is based on the experiences of longtime production director Victor Hurtado, who worked last year on various television productions. During set changes, commercials air on two TV screens for the show's sponsors: I. A.M. STRONG, the Army's Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Program, and AT&T.

Among the showstoppers that brought cheers and applause were the sophisticated opening number, "Declaration (This is It!)," and the "Army Strong" rap.

The production also pays tribute to the Year of the NCO with an "NCO Club" of vocalists crooning as "nightclub-goers" sway in their seats or dance. In another group number, the cast performs in colorful Indian costume "Jai Ho" from the movie, "Slumdog Millionaire," which morphs into a military rap song. After the set transforms into a summer scene, three female vocalists each belt out such solos as "At Last" and "I'm A Woman."

The soulful "Summertime" is performed to a backdrop of a pendulum-shaped moon by Reserve Staff Sgt. Nafrettifi Griffin, an intelligence analyst for the Augmentation Detachment at NSA for the past four years. The Atlanta native resides in Elkridge with her husband, Staff Sgt. Joseph Griffin of Augmentation Detachment, and their three children. "My husband is my biggest fan and supporter," said Griffin, who sings at the Celebration Church in Columbia.

Despite the show's rigorous 12-hour rehearsal days and performance schedule, Griffin said she "always wanted to try out" during her nine years of active duty. "It's exciting because we get to meet so many people with so much talent, and we each bring something different to the show," she said.

After the program, Sgt. 1st Class Earnest Baskin, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Soldier Show, presented Installation Commander Col. Daniel L. Thomas with a plaque in recognition of Fort Meade's "outstanding support." "I have always been a big fan," Thomas said. "You have left your mark on another outstanding show. It's not only your talent, but you can also put on shows all over the world and remain Soldiers. It is really a tribute to what we have in the armed forces. Thank you for sharing your talent with us tonight."

As they exited the stage, performers sang the "Army Song" before lining up to greet audience members.

"It was wonderful, except the music was a little loud," said Marion Goode, 73, of Severn, who has attended nearly every year.

Andre Richmond, a supply technician for Child, Youth & School Services, brought 11 teens from the Woodland Job Corps in Laurel. "I wanted to expose them to something different," he said. Many of the teens said they did not expect such a professional production. "I was surprised," said Terri Doyle, 19.

Baskin, a hip-hop artist and dancer who performed in previous Soldier Shows, said the crowd's reaction is very satisfying. "It's good when you see the smiles, that the audience is entertained," he said.

Just ask Sgt. 1st Class James Turner, of the 11th Psychological Operations in Upper Marlboro, who attended with his wife, Angie, and their three young children. "It was pretty good," he said. "The kids were dancing in the aisles."