WIESBADEN, Germany - Rarely does one hear names such as Irving Berlin, Miley Cyrus, Michael Jackson, Michael Buble and Kidd Rock in the same sentence.
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"Soldier Show 27.0" gave audiences in Baumholder and Wiesbaden that and more in performances May 21 and 23.
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"Yes, yes, yes," said Hunter Savell, age 5, after the Wiesbaden performance reeling from the troupe's performance of Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA." "My favorite part was when they played the Hannah Montana song," she said.
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Performances included choreographed dancing, live instrumental accompaniment and theatrics in an attempt to please all show-goers. Celebrating its 27th anniversary, the revue incorporated the influence of computer technology and the age of social media.
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"This year we added theatrical elements, fine arts, video transitions ... we went back to what the Soldier Show once was ... to give the faithful followers what they expected and added something for the newcomers," said Johnny Stewart, Soldier Show co-producer and program director, reiterating that the program is designed to positively impact Soldier and family morale. "Our mission is to come out here and give everyone something to enjoy."
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"It was pretty outstanding. It was very energetic and had something for everyone," said Rachel Berger, who said it was her first time seeing a Soldier Show concert. "It was far better than I expected."
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A,A "That's the reward; being able to motivate the Soldiers. It's nothing better," said Pfc. Drake DeLucca, vocalist and dancer. "I wanted to use my strengths for the military, and I'm fortunate to have such a cool job."
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"The Soldier Show is no vacation. These Soldiers work hard to boost morale," said Stewart. "This is grueling ... some of the hardest work you'll do in the military."
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And that same hard work is part of the appeal for some current cast members.
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"I don't mind the hard labor. It actually piqued my interest," said 1st Lt. Katherine Melcher, singer, who said seeing her sister Meredith Melcher in the 2004 show inspired her to sign up.
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"I joined [the Army] to be in the Soldier Show," said Spc. Philip Plaster, singer and bass player, who said he was conditioned for the work of touring while traveling with his band before enlisting. "I get to play bass for the Army."
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Live auditions were also held before the Baumholder and Wiesbaden shows. The local faces of Sgt. Ajita Curry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Signal Command, and Spc. Erin Sataloff, Company C, 1st Military Intelligence Battalion, from Wiesbaden, and a couple of Baumholder Soldiers may be among the Soldier Show cast the next time the elite performing troupe hits town.
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