A dream came true Friday for Diane Vargas and maybe it helped heal the nightmarish scars of war during an emotion-packed tribute for Vietnam veterans in the Savannah Center.
From “Good Morning Vietnam,” to “Goodnight Saigon,” this was an inspirational, energetic and reverent performance by Evolution Dance. The show was billed as “Flags, Freedom and Fireworks.”
The concept was to have a traditional and celebratory July 4th holiday dance and music show. There was music from World Wars I to the present, but the Vietnam tribute went much deeper than flag waving and fireworks.
Watch video of the show here:
“Doing this show has always been a dream for me,” said Vargas, artistic director of Evolution Dance. “July 4th is a time when we all dedicate ourselves to the holiday and the sacrifices of our veterans.
“Too often, we forget about Vietnam veterans. We wanted to make sure to remember and honor them. I hope we can make this an annual event.”
The tribute began with film clips of “Good Morning Vietnam,” starring Robin Williams. Then, Richard Blanchard, who lost a brother in Vietnam, offered a stirring and solemn tribute to the men and women who served there. There was silence as he held up his late brother’s dog tags and talked about the war.
“Vietnam veterans are very special people,” Blanchard said during a nearly-six minute speech. “They are the most patriotic people I know.”
Blanchard was joined by twins Chip and Phip Fuller, along with Frank Olive and Carter Poust, dancing to Billy Joel’s “Goodnight Saigon.”
Then, Rose Bianchini, Dolores Pittaro and Rosie Theiss did a slow and somber tap number to “Ballad of The Green Berets.”
“We’re not looking for Broadway dancing here,” said Helene Yelverton, who choreographed both numbers. “We want to show the bond that exists for Vietnam veterans and how they really are brothers. We want to be respectful and show how much they gave for us.”
The program opened with a lively and nostalgic “USO” setting from World War II. The dancers were jumping and jiving to such classics as “Sing, Sing, Sing,”and “In the Mood.” Kristin Miller, Sally Spieth, and Lynne Greenberger had the joint jumping singing “Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy.”
The USO dance crew included Judy Jonas, Mollie McCarthy Kathryn Donatelli, Violet Ray, Yuri Sohn, Linda Swain and Jacqi Davis.
“Celebrating America,” featured Carter Poust bringing heartfelt power to “This is Our Country,” written by John Mellencamp. He also took time to salute all veterans in the audience.
The tap crew did an energetic and lively job on “Yankee Doodle.” Vargas and Judy Jonas brought elegant ballet moves to “Strike Up the Band,” along with the Fuller Brothers.
Frank Olive brought some comedy and depth to his oration, “I Am Flag.” It was originally done by Robin Williams, but Olive wanted to make it special for Villagers.
“I added a part in there about how everybody in The Villages salutes the flag,” Olive said. “I think this is a powerful piece because it has so many levels of emotions.”
The show ended with a remarkable and explosive, “Stars and Stripes Forever,” that saw the stage and dancers covered with confetti and streamers to go with joyous, , ear-popping marching music.
“It was very clean, very tight with a lot of energy and a lot of fun,” said Jenny Eggers, a former Radio City Rockette and Broadway performer who saw the show. “It was very entertaining and I enjoyed it.”
So did Diane Vargas.
“These dancers worked so hard and gave so much of themselves to make this happen; I’m so grateful,” she said. “I just hope we can do it again.”