Tops in Blue 'Déjà Blue' show debuts at Aviano

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Aviano Tops in Blue fans are gearing up for this year's 2008 performance "Déjà Blue," set to kick off at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Personnel Alert Holding Area in Area F, followed by a second showing Monday at 7 p.m.

More than 30 singers, dancers and musicians will grace the stage performing Top 40 hits and patriotic classics from the 1950s to present.

"Tops in Blue is a quality performance team put together from resources within the Air Force family," said Susan Lear of the 31st Force Support Squadron. "Even if you've seen one or two Tops in Blue shows over the years, it's never the same performance twice. It definitely gives Broadway shows a run for their money!"

Featured in this year's show will be Aviano's own Cameron Gmehlin, 17-year-old son of Lt. Col. Markus and Julie Gmehlin, 31st Medical Operations Squadron commander, who garnered first place in the 2007 Air Force-level Family and Teen talent show after taking first place at the base-level show last November.

Cameron, who has been playing piano for four years, will be playing Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy during both showings.

"I was stunned when I found out I was going to get to perform with Tops in Blue," said Cameron, who has been taking piano lessons at the community center with Dhurata Beijleri for about a year. "They're an amazing group of performers. It's an honor."

Cameron said he practices two-three hours a day and said he and his family are looking forward to Sunday and Monday's performances.

"We're all very excited," said Ms. Gmehlin. "His grandparents are in town for the show and we are taking some of our local Italian friends."

This is the 55th Anniversary for Tops in Blue, which serves as an expeditionary entertainment unit, traveling the globe and performing for thousands. This year's cast of singers, musicians and behind-the-scenes crews will perform almost 100 shows by the end of the tour.

Doors open 45 minutes before each show and seats are on a first-come, first-served basis.

"I've been to multiple shows over the years and have to say that I always look forward to the next one," said Ms. Lear. "It's fast paced, quality entertainment that appeals to all ages. The talent that is involved is just amazing and to think that these performers are part of our Air Force family."

For more information, contact 31st FSS marketing division at 632-5080.