SALUTE THE TROOPS AT STIRRING MUSICAL "THE PIN-UP GIRLS" AT PLAYHOUSE ON PARK

Encouraging the troops, raising their spirits as they protect our freedoms, has always deserved a merry and musical salute to our veterans, a well deserved thank you for their heroic sacrifices. James Hindman and Jeffrey Lodin have fashioned a loving tribute to servicemen and women in “The Pin-Up Girls A Musical Love Letter” bopping into Playhouse on Park in West Hartford until Saturday, December 23 and you are invited for a seat up front for the tuneful action for the show’s New England premiere.

Dating all the way back to World War I and spanning the years to the conflict in Afghanistan, these composers have taken the real letters written to our troops and the ones sent back again to their families and covered the conflicts they endured. All branches of the military will have their words and sentiments revealed starting with the mailman’s favorite tune “Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter.” This music and dance fest is courtesy of Artistic Director Darlene Zoller, with music direction by Kevin Barlowski.

Other favorites include “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “All the Single Ladies,” and “Abba-Abba Honeymoon” for romantic interludes, a sentimental love letter to our brave soldiers. Join the Playhouse’s letter writing campaign in Operation Gratitude.

Watch for the Weird and Wonderful World of Industrial Music by Steve Young on Sunday and Monday, December 10 and 11.

For tickets ($45 and $55), call Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford at 860-523-5900, ext. 10, or online at www.playhouseonpark.org. Performances are 2 p.m Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a talk back after the Sunday matinee. A special author presentation from Lisa Franco will take place on Saturday, December 16 after the 2 p.m. matinee when Lisa will read from “My Dearest Darling,” letters written in World War II by naval man Donald Story to his sweetheart Margery.

Learn first hand how important writing letters was as intimate connection and communication across thousands of miles of separation, especially during wartime.