Inaugural ‘US Stage Door Canteen’ show set for Nov. 9 at Investors Bank Performing Arts Center
The People for People Foundation of Gloucester County will simultaneously take the road less traveled and turn back the clock with its next event. It will be hosting its inaugural “US Stage Door Canteen” on Nov. 9 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Investors Bank Performing Arts Center in Sewell.
Bernadette Blackstock, CEO of the People for People Foundation, said “US Stage Door Canteen” is a variety show that is a part of the Investors Bank Giving Back Concert Series.
“It’s going to be reminiscent of the old USO shows,” Blackstock said. “Reminiscent of the variety shows, like the old Bob Hope shows.”
The “US Stage Door Canteen” will have no shortage of entertainment. Blackstock said the master of ceremonies, Greg Armstrong, will not only introduce the entertainers as they come on stage, but he will interact with them as well.
When talking about other acts, Blackstock mentioned singer Jimmy Lee will have a tribute to the legendary Philadelphia soul band The Trammps. The Trammps, are known for their hit song “Disco Inferno” made popular by the 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever.”
Blackstock added an original member of Philadelphia R&B group Soul Survivor, Kenny Jeremiah, will be in attendance.
Outside of the musical acts, there will be impressionists on hand to give that old school USO show feel. For example, local entertainer Holly Faris will take the stage as both Phyllis Diller and Marilyn Monroe over the course of the show. Entertainers like Daniele Brida Spence, Michael Jones, John Monforto, Johnny Morsa, Greg Martiello, Donnah Lisa Campbell and Jay Gentile will take the stage imitating the likes of Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Rodney Dangerfield and Gen. George S. Patton.
Blackstock said she’s excited to see the fruits of the entertainers’ labor.
“I’ve seen all of the entertainers perform in one way or another,” she said. “It’s going to be really exciting to see these entertainers on a big stage.”
The goal for the event is simple — to honor veterans.
“We want to honor our veterans,” Blackstock said. “It’s a salute to our veterans. It’s on the Friday of Veterans Day weekend.”
The show is the tip of the iceberg when talking about honoring the veterans. The proceeds from the show will benefit the resource center at Camp Salute, an affordable housing development located in Clayton. Camp Salute has 76 family units, including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, that give preference to veterans. The resource center offers educational programs, support groups and workshops for veterans.
“Part of the resource center is to provide developmental components like personal, professional and creative development,” Blackstock said.
Tickets for the “US Stage Door Canteen” are $25 and can be purchased at the box office at the performing arts center, over the phone at the performing arts center (856) 218–8902 or through Ticketmaster. Blackstock added patrons can call the People for People Foundation at (856) 579–7561 and it will be able to help. In addition, the People for People Foundation offers discounts for parties with more than 10 people. Veterans buying tickets are eligible for the buy-one-get-one-free promotion, no DD-214 necessary.
At the end of the day, this show is meant to bring the community together to rally behind the veterans while enjoying a great night of throwback entertainment.
“People always say ‘what can we do to help you?’ Coming out and supporting the veteran community is important,” Blackstock said. “It’s a whole night of lots of fast-moving, fun entertainment.”
