FORT STEWART, Ga. -The audience at Fort Stewart 's Newman Fitness Center was dazzled by the spectacular performance from the Soldiers of the 2010 U.S. Army Soldier Show, Oct. 5 and 6. The show is themed "Soldier Show v.27.0," marking the 27th year the show has been entertaining Soldiers and Families and the technical advances that have been made since the show's inception.
However, what the audience and fans did not see was the demanding production that goes on behind the scenes that lays the groundwork for this historical event to succeed. Crew as well as performers play a key role in the set up and breakdown of the show, said John Stewart the program director for the Soldier Show.
The average day in the life of a Soldier performing in the Soldier Show is demanding and can make even the most envious person looking in, step back and take a deep breath
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Their day typically begins at 5:45 a.m. for PT and breakfast, and set up begins at 8 a.m., when all of the Soldiers begin unloading the two tractor trailers loaded with equipment. Hopefully, the setup, including stage, lighting and sound, is complete around 1 p.m., but it sometimes can take until 3 p.m. The Soldiers then get a couple of hours of down time before rehearsals and the show. Performance begins at 7 p.m. and is over at 8:30 p.m. At 9 p.m. the breakdown begins and the trucks are loaded by 12:30 a.m. - typical days on the road are 18 hour days.
If the labor intensive 18 hours days doesn't make you sit back and take notice, perhaps the preparation time before the Soldiers set out for months onto the open road will.
Beginning in February of every year, the Soldiers spend approximately 576 hours of rehearsal time before setting out in April for the first of 120-130 shows at 55 locations in the U.S., as well as Germany, The Netherlands and Korea, said Stewart.
For some Soldiers, the grind of show business is old hat, especially for the lead singer in "Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning," a comical skit that pays tribute to composer Irving Berlin, a former Soldier and songwriter who wrote many songs about Army life.
"I sang and danced professionally for 19 years, both stateside and abroad, before joining the Army 23 months ago," said Pfc. Drake DeLucca, a multimedia illustrator assigned to Fort Bragg, N.C. "I'm kind of used to living out of a suitcase."
Like a deployment, breaking away for a Family emergency can be difficult.
"My wife and I had a baby, Sept. 28, and I was able to go back home for seven days for the birth," said Pfc. DeLucca.
Fortunately, like any situation in the Army, Soldiers prepare for opportunities.
"We all have understudies who know everybody's jobs in every dance and song we perform," said Pfc. Jeremy Gaynor assigned to the 72nd Medical Detachment, Fort Campbell, Ky.
An opportunity to perform and be a part of the Soldier Show is rare, but for one Fort Stewart Soldier, not only has he had the opportunity to serve once, but twice.
"I was also in the Soldier Show in (2004)," said Sgt. Kevin Cherry, a 3rd Infantry Division band member who is most notably recognized for his Michael Jackson tribute, which received thunderous cheers and applause from the audience. "[This year,] after getting back from my deployment to Iraq, I went home for a week and a half and came back to the Soldier Show. Sacrificing time away from Family to give back to the Army Family can be difficult at times, but it is well worth it."
For any married Soldier to be successful in the Soldier Show, it takes the support of an understanding and supportive spouse.
"As long as he loves it, I will support him no matter where he is," said Shun Cherry, wife of Sgt. Cherry. "I try to make it to a lot of the shows. I am extremely proud of him."
"This is sometimes harder than a deployment, excluding the danger factor," said Sgt. 1st Class Earnest Baskin, Soldier Show noncommissioned officer in charge. "In Iraq, you get some down time ... Here, there is no sitting around. Every three to four days we are moving to a different state or location."
The many hours of hard work showed in the stellar performance.
"I loved all of the show," said Stewart Lester, who attended the Show at Newman, Oct. 5. "This is the first time I have come to the show, I came with a friend and had a great time."
Other returner's sentiments were mirrored.
"The show was fantastic, I brought my neighbors with me this year and they loved it," said Kenyatta Reynold, who attends the show every year. "The Michael Jackson tribute was my favorite part."
If you missed the show, fear not. They will be back in the area for a performance at the Hunter Army Airfield Fitness Center at 7 p.m., Oct. 13.
For more information call 912-767-5117 or visit www.armymwr.com/recleisure/entertainment/soldiershow/default.aspx.
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