Composer

:

Irving Berlin

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

First Performance

:

Jul 4, 1942

This is the Army is a musical production composed by Irving Berlin, which premiered on July 4, 1942, at the Broadway Theatre in New York City. The musical was created as a tribute to the US Army and was intended to boost morale during World War II. The plot of the musical follows the story of a group of soldiers who put on a show for their fellow troops before they are deployed overseas. The musical is divided into two acts, with each act featuring a series of musical numbers and dance routines. The first act focuses on the soldiers' training and preparation for their show, while the second act features the actual performance. The musical includes a mix of patriotic songs, comedic skits, and sentimental ballads. One of the most notable aspects of This is the Army is its use of a large ensemble cast, which includes both professional actors and real-life soldiers. The musical also features a diverse range of musical styles, including swing, jazz, and traditional military marches. The musical was a huge success, running for over a year on Broadway and touring throughout the United States. It was also adapted into a film in 1943, which starred Ronald Reagan and featured many of the original cast members. Overall, This is the Army is a patriotic and uplifting musical that celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the US Army during World War II. Its catchy tunes and lively dance numbers continue to be popular with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of American musical theater.

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