Soldier Show returns to APG May 9

By Yvonne Johnson (APG News)April 15, 2010

Soldier Show returns to APG May 9
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- The Army's premier "entertainment for the Soldier, by the Soldier" song and dance production - the U.S. Army Soldier Show - returns to Aberdeen Proving Ground for one performance 7 p.m. May 9 at the Post Theater. The show is free and open to the public.

In its 27th year, the show's theme, "Soldier Show 27.0" revolves around current social media phenomena.

Soldier Show director Victor Hurtado said the show is like a new version of a computer program, although it's built on the foundations of past versions.

"Basically, it's like a computer screen," he said. "When you walk in, you'll see the desktop and all of the transitions are like Facebook or Google with a PDF."

The show includes repeat appearances by four Soldiers from the 2004 cast as well as similarities to the 2004 theme.

Hurtado said the previous show revolved around how deployed Soldiers kept in touch with loved ones via cellular telephones and electronic mail.

"Those communication devices have since been supplemented by today's faster-moving and farther-reaching social-media tools, many of which the Army has embraced."

As always, the troops will deliver several genres of music and dance, complete with Soldier-musicians on guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. And of course, there is a special tribute to the late Michael Jackson with a medley of his most popular songs.

"I don't want to give too much away but the last piece is something that you'll definitely recognize," Hurtado said.

He added that the most unique thing about the show is that the finale is being written by the cast.

"As a group, they are writing an original song and it's really coming together beautifully," he said, adding that he was quickly impressed by this year's Soldier Show performers.

"People are going to be just shocked to see how good they are," he said.

The 2010 Soldier Show schedule features 101 performances at 53 venues, including eight stops in Germany.

Editor's Note: TIM HIPPS, FMWRC Public Affairs, contributed to this article.

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