Christina Aguilera has been recruiting Philly area ‘soldiers’ for her July 4 concert
In a very tight turnaround casting, the Pittsburgh native was looking for talent to accompany her on stage at the “One Philly: Unity Concert for America”
We don’t know much about the show Christina Aguilera will put up as headliner of the July 4 “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” on Ben Franklin Parkway, but we know there will be local men dancing dressed as soldiers behind her.
On Tuesday, a casting call from Philadelphia-based casting agency Kathy Wickline Casting announced that the pop singer and Pittsburgh native was looking for non-union male dancers, who live within an hour’s commute from Philadelphia “unless you have family/friends to stay with in the area,” the call reads.
The quick turnaround call, which was open only for a day, sought talent between ages “20-30’s” with a background in dance, acrobatics, or choreography. They should be fit like a soldier, the call specified, and although no military buzzcut is needed, their hair should not be long.
The dancers needed to make themselves available for the show on July 4 and a rehearsal on the day before.
The call closed on Tuesday afternoon. Kathy Wickline Casting did not respond to The Inquirer’s request for comment.
Her setlist for July 4 has not been announced but Aguilera’s discography doesn’t boast songs directly related to the military.
However, the music video for her 2006 hit “Candyman” is WWII themed, featuring background dancers and Aguilera dressed in glamorized military uniforms. She also has several songs with themes surrounding strength and empowerment, such as “Fighter” and “Army of Me.”
While Wawa remains a sponsor of the annual July 4 concert, the show is not part of Wawa Welcome America, the series of events leading up to July 4. Aguilera will be co-headlining the show with Philadelphia native Jill Scott, and other acts include the Roots, Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kathy Sledge, and more.
Gates for the concert open at 3 p.m. It starts at 5 p.m. with fireworks around midnight. More info at july4philly.com