The carnival concept of the 2011 U.S. Army Soldier Show will take audiences on a globe-spanning journey to more fun-filled venues in 90 minutes than some folks experience in a lifetime.
From a boardwalk to funhouse to circus to county fair to a time machine, Soldier-entertainers will take audiences on a song and dance tour of carnivals across America and beyond.
''It's an opportunity to actually take the audience on a journey with us," Soldier Show Director Victor Hurtado said. ''And not just to the continental United States - we have a great international scene."
Africa, Samoa, Latin America, Nepal, with influences from India, Thailand and China are represented in the song-and-dance extravaganza that plays to the strengths of cast members from several countries. Each international scene will feature authentic music from that locale.
This Soldier Show cast features strong instrumentalists on the violin, drums, guitar, keyboards and bass who will keep the performers on the move as they dance from scene to scene. A central character keeps the show moving by introducing each scene.
''There are a lot of dancers, a lot of movement in the show," Hurtado said. ''But there are some great voices as well, and some great stage presence. We have some great rapper and spoken-word guys, so we have quite a bit of that driving the show."
''With MWR, we're in the business of taking Families and Soldiers away from the trials and tribulations of what they're going through, so I think this will definitely inspire patriotism, but really help you escape and take you to places you wouldn't go all in one day," Hurtado said. ''You wouldn't go ... [to] four different areas of the world - and a Fourth of July celebration, all in one day. You could never physically do that, but you're going to be able to do that at this show."
Entertainment for the Soldier, by the Soldier is the working motto of Army Entertainment Division, which launched the 106-performance tour to 61 installations, garrisons and other venues during performances at its home on Fort Belvoir, Va., last weekend.
''As a group, they've really become very cohesive," Hurtado said. ''We've really been able to get the show together quickly."
The troupe appeared at Fort Detrick, Md., May 7 and traveled to Fort Dix, N.J., May 10 before commencing a world tour that will take it to Germany, Korea and other places where military personnel are stationed.
Admission to all shows is free on a first-come, first-seated basis. For a full schedule of where the Soldier Show will appear this season, visit www.armymwr.com.
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