60th to open with Camp Show

Time flashes back to the 1940s this Saturday, June 12, during the opening day of the 60th anniversary of the World War II Battles of Saipan and Tinian. The Friends of Art, in collaboration with the Steering Committee for the commemoration, will be hosting a Camp Show geared at presenting the anticipated hundred-plus veterans with a treat from the past.

According to Camp Show producer and director Melody Actouka, the production features a variety of music, dance, and comedy similar to USO—United Services Organization—shows that were provided by volunteers to the military during their tenure overseas.

“Camp Show was the term used to describe military shows to support the morale of the troops while in foreign areas,” she said. “This production is designed to be authentic and includes activities that are typical of that period—1940s.”

The two-hour show begins at 7pm at the American Memorial Park Amphitheater. An encore performance will take place on Sunday, also at 7pm. Both shows are open to the public with no entrance fee.

“Everyone is welcome to attend, but I encourage people not to wait to the last minute to make their entrance. The Department of Public Safety will be directing traffic and assisting for parking, so the earlier the better.”

Actouka said the event includes a special feature that includes various CNMI beauty queens, including 2002 Miss NMI Universe Virginia Gridley and 2004 Miss NMI World Tracy Del Rosario, posing as models.

“We have six beauty queens who will pose as models depicting the ladies whose figures were printed on the nose of B-29’s during the era. The models will also depict the pin-up girls—popular young ladies or movie stars—whose figures were placed on lockers and duffle bags. Those served as reminders to the men during their time in the military as to what they’re fighting for, making it a very important and interesting aspect.”

The show also features performances by the NMI man’amko.

“They are a really talented group. They can dance, sing, and have a good sense of comedy also,” said Actouka.

Further, the entertainment will also feature a performance courtesy of the Tinian Taga Cultural Dancers, who will grace the event on Sunday’s episode.

Anchoring both shows is an arrangement of military and patriotic music courtesy of Roman Rudnytsky, who is en route from England to Saipan from a concert tour. Rudnytsky is currently a teacher at a prestigious school of music based on Ohio.

Other events for the day include the sale of various Arizona Memorial Museum Association memorabilia from 7:30am-5pm at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Chamolinian Room and 10am-10pm at the Victoria Hotel banquet hall and the 2004 Taste of the Marianas at 6pm at the AMP Bell Tower Field.

The commemoration of the 60th anniversary continues until June 17 with activities including various seminars conducted by veterans and civilian survivors, tours of historic sites, Laser Light shows, memorial services on both islands, and the formal commemoration ceremony honoring veterans.