The Songwriter Goes to War

Bookwatch, The, July, 2005

The Songwriter Goes To War

Alan Anderson

Hal Leonard Corporation

151 West 46th St., 8th fl, NY, NY 10036

www.halleonard.com

0879103043 $27.95 1-800-637-2852

The Songwriter Goes To War: The Story of Irving Berlin's World War II All-Army Production of This Is The Army is the long-lost true story of frontline show business--from the hustle and bustle of its large-scale production including the transportation of of a full-scale Broadway musical revue to Great Britain during the blitz, to its premier at theaters, subsequent reception, and role in keeping up morale. Carefully researched by Broadway stage manager, television director, and five-year army serviceman Alan Anderson, The Songwriter Goes To War is enhanced with a handful of vintage black-and-white photographs, a roster of "This Is The Army" members and an index for easy quick referencing. A welcome contribution to both World War II era popular culture and American theatrical history, The Songwriter Goes To War is an enduring true story of a dyed-in-the-wool entertainer expertly applying his gifts to serve his country in its hour of need.