TAEGU, KOREA -- The Festival of Performing Arts decended on the glittering stage of Camp Walker's Musical Theater Sepetember 19.
According to Phillip Wayne, A judge this year and originator of the show's concept, this is the 22nd year the talent competitions have played in Korea.
Wayne, Musical Theater Director, with the Recreational Services Organization, Korea, judged the contest along with Patricia Lockwood, and an assistant USO Executive Director in Korea and Faith England, a dance educator.
"All the performers in the show were some of the very best in Army talent. They were the cream of the crop," he said.
The contestants were judged on showmanship, material selection and technical aspects of their performances
"We look at all aspects, personalities, flair and a little pizazz. When it was really close we looked deeper in the technical aspect," said England
The Area North Music Theater representatives directed by Ronald Peter, took the audience on a tour of New York. The atmosphere of "The Big Apple" was conveyed through a series of skits ranging from a soliloquy to a scene with a streaker.
The show won the Best Concept Trophy for Peter, a second place duet award for Michael Laskowski and Karen Johnson and choreographer Carlyene Prince.
Area North also won for their costume designs and Best Stage Director went to Peter.
The award for the Most Versitile Performer went to Kathy Utsey who danced, sang and read poetry.
Musical director for Area North was Stephen E. Pennell
Area Central's presentation, "The Magic of Entertaining," was directed by Larry Chandler.
Off went the lights, with a flash of lights a puff of smoke, George R. Rivers III, Area Central's answer to Houdini appeared.
Rivers served double duty as both a performer and as a master of ceremonies. His performance earned him first place in the Male Performer's Catagory.
John Trammell read some of his original read some of his original poems with the theme of life as he felt it. He received first place for Written Works.
David Gamble gave a dramatic reading from James Weldon Johnson's, "God's Trombone" that won him first place for Dramatic Presentation
Brenda Holland sang a medley of hits. Holand, a top ten finalist in a recent Miss Black America contest, came in second place in the Female Performer Catergory.
Michael Trent came in second place among male performers by singing whimsical little songs the prompted smiles among the audience.
"A MUSICAL VOYAGE" was the theme of the Area South Program Directed by Robert W. Davidson. Musical styles earned the Area South players the awards for Best Stage Director and Best Musical Director.
To change the pace, William Elliot did a risque stand-up comedy that won first place in the Comedy Catagory.
Julie Davila, Louisa Dobbins and Kathy Reid won first place as a trio.
Dobbins, whose interpretation of "Stormy Monday Blues" earned her first place Female Performer. She brought the audience to it's feet..
Reid and Nevis Franklin, a member of the group Sudden Decision performed, 'What's Wrong with Our Love Affair?', a slow romantic ballad.
Sudden Decision consist of Reid, Franklin on guitar, Blocker on keyboard, Raymond Reid on bass and Ray "Woody" Woodard on drums.
Sudden Decision played back-up on most of the sets and were a driving force behind the Area South show.
Louisa A Dobbins
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Reviewed by J M
1/12/2007
I found this interesting too thank you for sharing this...........
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar
1/11/2007
Very interesting article. I know very little about showbusiness. I know very little about almost anything including a tin opener :) Victor
