The TOPS IN BLUE Priors' Newsletter, Vol 1, No. 2, August 1994
One Moment in Time...Tops In Blue Tours Eastern EuropeHistory-making Goodwill Journey Creates "the Memories of a Lifetime" Not Only For the Cast, But For Those They Entertained As Well(Compiled from an interview with Tom Edwards). In its' 41-year span, Tops In Blue has had some memorable achievements - certainly its' television appearance with Bob Hope and its' monumental Super Bowl XIX Halftime Show are among those that come to mind. But in 1993, Tops In Blue truly made history. Tops In Blue '93 became the first American entertainment showcase of any kind to tour eastern Europe! For countries such as Albania, Bulgaria and Lithuania, the mere presence of U.S. military personnel could only be considered part of some strategic military mission. But that was not the case - this mission was one of goodwill. To provide increased awareness and an exchange of cultures and improved relations between the East and West. It was indeed a challenge. But as we well know, who better than Tops In Blue to take on a challenge? As a result of its' highly acclaimed '92 Tops In Blue show, AF Entertainment was asked by the U.S. State Department to send Tops In Blue to 14 countries in eastern Europe in support of it's military-to-military contact program - a tour to promote peace and understanding. It would be a difficult task, given the instability of the region. A region so unpredictable and unsettled that four of the countries, including Russia, had to be eliminated from the proposed schedule because the governments could not guarantee the safety of the group! Nevertheless, the groundwork was laid and preparations finalized for Tops In Blue '93 to make the historical trip. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone. In Albania for instance, the plane carrying the group had to make a pass over the runway to check for animals before landing. Once they landed, they had to unload all of the equipment right on the runway because there was no taxiway. According to Tom Edwards, "air traffic control was a pair of binoculars and a bullhorn!" In Lithuania, the group performed two shows in an old, dilapidated Olympic training facility. It was 50 degrees inside...so cold that the audience wore their coats throughout the show! In Latvia, during set-up, the group saw live TV coverage of Boris Yeltsin's troops being sent in to Moscow to reclaim the Russian "White House". Ironically, the group was not originally scheduled to be in Latvia that day, they had been scheduled to be .... in Moscow! In Bulgaria, Tom was met by the Bulgarian Air Force Chief of Staff who presented him with a set of their wings. The facilities ranged from that old sports hall to incredible, state-of-the-art convention centers. In Romania, there was a 4,500 seat convention center highlighted in marble and brass with stereo speakers mounted in each chair. Of note was the fact that many of the grand convention centers were formerly used as Communist speaker halls. But most of all, there were the people... the amazing people. It was truly incredible to see that in countries so torn by strife, lived the nicest, friendliest people. Fragile, warm, caring people. People who held the highest respect for others. People to whom race meant nothing, to whom "different" was only a word. It was for the people that Tops In Blue came. The first American group that people were allowed to come together to watch. And watch they did... and marveled at the lights, special effects and music.. and wondered "How did you do it?" And in the end it was the people, from all walks of life who stood and cried and hugged each and every performer, with tears in their eyes. Music was the universal language... and even though they spoke no English, they understood. And Tops In Blue understood them as well, for in the final analysis, no matter what our differences, we all share the same feelings. And when the shows were over, Tops In Blue had left their mark on those people, and indeed the people had left their mark on Tops In Blue. To be sure, both will remember those moments forever. And with the end of the tour, Tops In Blue returned home. Mission accomplished. As always. And perhaps it was only fitting that Tops In Blue closed each show with the song "Heal the World", for indeed they had done their part to do just that. Regional Talent Contest Dates ChangedThe dates for the Air Force Regional Talent Contests have changed from those previously noted in the last issue. The changes were required to facilitate Tops In Blue '93's tour of eastern Europe. The new dates are:
More details to follow. Tops In Blue Production Center A Show In Itself...It was old and cold and damp sometimes, but for Tops In Blue casts, the Chaparral Theatre was home. It was where we danced 'til we dropped, sang 'til we were hoarse, played 'til we could play no more, and hammered, sawed and sewed our way up to the Premiere. |
Well, they're still dancing and singing and playing and all, but the place where the show comes together is now a "show" itself. It's a completely redesigned, first- rate, first-class facility now known as the Tops In Blue Production Center and it's a class act! As you enter the big glass doors, there's a plush, carpeted lobby with big, soft chairs, and Tops In Blue memorabilia such as the prestigious plaque of Golden Roger recipients. To the left is a small office - modern, well- equipped. To the right is a dance rehearsal area with a full mirrored wall and a cushioned floor. As you enter the main room, the theatre seats have been removed and the floor has been carpeted. In the middle of the floor sits the audio/ visual command center - with a fully integrated, state-of- the-art sound and light system hard- wired into the main stage, not a wire in sight! The sophisticated lighting system is built into the ceiling - no Genies, no poles. To the right is a break area and mini-kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, microwave and counter space. To the left are personal lockers, for the cast's belongings. No gym bags or purses or other personal items on the floor here anymore. And the walls themselves tell the story of Tops In Blue. Soft, carpeted wall coverings highlighted with each year's tour citations and posters plus memorabilia from all over the world. The bold words in gold letters on each wall, say it all: "A Commitment to Excellence" and "A Worldwide Mission". They are inspiring and stand as a constant reminder of what Tops In Blue is all about. And there's so much more - a shower, the graphics center, wardrobe center, dubbing room, music arranging room, and the recording suite. The audio/video system allows Tom to monitor both the main theater and lobby (dance rehearsal area) from his office upstairs, which now includes a complete music library. In a nutshell, the new Tops In Blue Production Center is just plain incredible. If you should get to San Antonio, it should be on your list of places to see, even ahead of the Alamo and Riverwalk. It's so impressive you might want to go through staging all over again... Ok, maybe not. SPOTLIGHT: Whatever Happened To...?
Present: Tonia is currently a CMSgt and is the Chief Enlisted Manager for the Information Management career field at HQ Air Education and Training Command at Randolph AFB, TX. She's the vice-president of the RAFB Black Cultural Awareness Association and has become a professional speaker, speaking regularly at graduation ceremonies and other events. Still performing, she has had numerous military and civilian engagements throughout San Antonio. Tonia is married to Greg Walker (USAF (ret), former WWTC performer) and they have a daughter, Tausha, age 12.
Present: Rea and her husband, MSgt Bob Brech (Tops In Blue '82 and current tour director) currently live in Hopkins, S.C. Rea is a Wilton Cake Decorating Instructor at Michael's (arts and crafts store) and also decorates cakes from her home. She also spends a great deal of time raising her children - Hannah, age 7, Sarah, age 5, and Seth, age 3. She is also a classroom volunteer at her children's school. Despite her busy schedule these days, Rea still finds time to sing as a choir member and frequent soloist for her church.
Present: "J.B." is retired from the Air Force and currently self-employed as a U.S. Postal Service contractor. He lives in Universal City (near Randolph AFB) in Texas and is still actively involved in Tops In Blue. As he has for many years, "J.B." continues to work with the vocalists during staging, building harmonies and polishing their talents. Those who attended the 40th reunion show at the last Worldwide can attest to the fact that he still "has it". They got a chance to see the legendary "J.B." in action, singing and stepping as part of the Temptations. Blue NotesTops In Blue '94 "Feel Like Singin'" will be in Europe from 1 Aug to 30 Sep. Tom says they're getting rave reviews! Another "prior" is making a name for himself. Terry Weeks (Tops In Blue '83) is now the lead singer of the R&B group For Lovers Only. The group has a current single and video with "Feel Like Making Love". The newsletter base is rapidly expanding, but we're trying to locate folks...Look for a "Cast Call" section in the next issue. BackstageIn the next issue, there'll be an update on the Tops In Blue tour schedule. Also, a lot more "Spotlights" as well as a listing of people who are currently "online" with this newsletter. Incidentally, some people are asking what I've been doing lately... Maybe in the next issue you'll find out. Adios! T.A. |