Dark and divisive times are nothing new in America.
Victor Arnao served in World War II and lost a cousin during the D-Day Invasion. Richard Blanchard served in the Army for nearly three decades and lost a brother in Vietnam. Carmine Micena, Bill Stumpf and Lawrence Bailey are over 90 years of age and veterans of the Second World War.
All came together Sunday in Savannah Center for Evolution Dance’s third annual inspirational salute to the Armed Forces and American spirit. It’s called “Flags, Freedom and Fireworks.”
This glittering and dynamic production featured lively tunes like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Crazy Feet.” There was humor and insight from Frank Olive doing the Robin Williams-inspired salute, “I Am Flag.” And there were spectacular production numbers like “Yankee Doodle,” “Strike Up the Band” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
In these trying times – when Americans seem to want to make their political opponents black and blue, instead of red, white and blue – this show hoped to honor veterans and maybe heal some wounds.
“I hope it helps people feel better,” said Diane Vargas, artistic director of Evolution Dance. “I hope we can get rid of some of the things that divide us and remember the sacrifices of those who allow us to be free. What we owe those who served in the military is beyond words. It’s important to remember what they did – especially with the (political) climate in this country today.”
Carmine Micena has lived over nine decades and seen about all this country has gone through over the past century.
“A show like this means a lot, because all veterans appreciate being remembered,” he said.
“To see these people come out and support us with music and dancing, is a great feeling,” added Victor Arnao.
“Oh God, it’s nice to be remembered,” said Lawrence Bailey.
These vets can cope with hard times, in fact, maybe that’s what they and America are all about.
“These are different times, and some people don’t understand,” Arnao said. “But this is a great country, and it’s great because of the people who serve and make it that way.”
Although Richard Blanchard and his family suffered a personal loss in Vietnam, he understands the rights of those who protested that war.
“People forget why we celebrate Independence Day,” said Blanchard, who gave a deeply moving speech about Vietnam vets called “A Soldier’s Story” during the production. “The reason we have independence and freedom is because so many people fought and died for it.”
Blanchard began the program with an explanation of “The Fallen Soldier Table.” It featured a table and empty chair to honor those missing in action, or who never returned from war.
Larry Rivellese, who last year appeared on NBC television after a story in Villages-News.com, set a patriotic mood with a stirring, operatic rendition of the National Anthem.
World War II music and dance dominated the first part of the show. Choreographer and dancer Helene Yelverton danced and directed a series of numbers. She was flying high in “Crazy Feet” and led the cast in a rousing “Jamin’ Tonight.”
“Big Noise” was another tap extravaganza featuring Rose Bianchini, Kathy Chesley-Williams, Mary Ann Dailey, Sue Schuler, Rosie Theiss and Yelverton.
Vietnam dominated the second part of the production. Bianchini, Theiss and Dolores Pittaro brought a reverential tap dance to “Ballad of the Green Berets.” Chip and Phip Fuller, Frank Olive and Carter Poust combined for an emotional dance effort on Billy Joel’s “Goodnight Saigon.”
Another powerful moment came during part three, with “Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” This featured most of the cast with a tribute to the U.S. Constitution.
Cheri Lindell choreographed “God Bless America” with some extraordinary ballet moves by Judy Jonas, along with Sheena Bright, Paige Fleming, Leslie Rosenberg and Yelverton.
There was more show-stopping ballet with Yuri Sohn, Vargas and Chip and Phip Fuller.
Then things got jumping with a rollicking “Yankee Doodle,” “Strike Up the Band” and some fancy sit-down-chair choreography on “Our Favorite Son.”
The show closed with “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and on this day in Savannah Center – that which unites us seemed stronger than whatever divides us.
“That’s the way it should be,” Vargas said.
