Third US Army Soldier Show: Hello Dolly (1971)

This 1971 production of Hello Dolly was the first performance of the Broadway musical by a military company. The show included all the music with band accompaniment, the play, stage, changing scenery, lighting, and choreography. The production was unique also in the fact the cast was integrated with all the major couples being interracial. And to think that this was performed in the South in 1971! Pretty progressive for an army unit.

By the time we got to doing this production I had already played drums for a number of Broadway Show tunes from the previous Soldier Shows. So, for a former Rock/Blues drummer to play for a complete Broadway musical was a special experience. I consider myself priveleged to have been able to play and tour with around 6 Soldier Shows, and particularly for this big production of Hello Dolly at the age of 22.