Photo Flash: Pride Films and Plays' UNDER A RAINBOW FLAG Begins Tonight

Based on the real-life story of a WWII naval corpsman Jon Philips (who lives in Evanston, Illinois), Under A Rainbow Flag is an high-energy work about a group of soldiers who meet on a transport train heading west from Chicago and about the choices they make during and after the war. BroadwayWorld has a first look at Pride Films and Plays' upcoming production below!

Phillips (Sam Button-Harrison) meets Gibbs (Nicholas Stockwell), Russell (James Nedrud), and Stefano (Jordan Phelps) on the train. Stefano is an army surgeon headed to the Pacific theater, while Russell is an auto mechanic stationed statesidE. Phillips loses his heart to Gibbs. But Gibbs has met a woman (Kyrie Anderson) who has plans of her own. Schwartz' script, full of humor and surprise, explores all types of love - with its satisfactions and heartbreak.

A Rainbow Flag features Book, Music, and Lyrics by Leo Schwartz. This production is directed by David Zak, with musical director Robert Ollis and choreography by Tracy Strimple.

The cast features Sam Button Harrison, Kyrie Anderson, Jordan Phelps, James Nedrud, Nicholas Stockwell, Kevin Webb, David Besky, Luis Herrera, Donterrio Johnson and Bobby Arnold.

Leo Schwartz is a multi-award winning composer of film, musical theatre, concert music, and jazz. Under A Rainbow Flag was a finalist and first musical ever chosen for the Great Gay Play and Musical Contest in 2012. In 2011, he won a Gold Medal for Film Scoring at the Park City Film Music Festival. His musical Naughty! was Director's Choice at the 2007 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Another musical, Me and Al - Or How I Died In The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, was a Finalist in the Sony Search For New Musicals in 2001 and was presented off-Broadway at The York Theatre. The films he has scored have won numerous awards. Leo's works have been performed off-Broadway, on the radio, and in concert halls across the United States and Europe. www.leoschwartz.com

Under A Rainbow Flag completes PFP's first full Jeff-eligible season, which included the world premiere of At the Flash by Sean Chandler and David Leeper, and the 20th anniversary revival of Jonathan Harvey's Beautiful Thing.

PFP's mission is to develop professional-caliber stage plays and screenplays. To date, two dozen authors have come to Chicago for developmental workshops of their writing with PFP's Artistic Ensemble of actors and directors. The workshops culminate in enhanced staged readings during festivals hosted by PFP's sponsor, Center on Halsted. PFP has also provided more than $20,000 in contest winnings to authors around the world over the last two years. For more information on PFP Productions and Development Programs, including the writing contests, visit www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

All performances play the Main Stage at 4139 North Broadway, Chicago. Previews tonight, March 21 and 22 at 7:30. Press Opening March 23 at 7:30. Closing April 21. Curtain Times Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30. Sunday 2:30. Also Wednesday 7:30 on April 3, 10, and 17. Prices: $15 for previews, $20 for Wednesday and Thursday, $25 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets BrownPaperTickets.com or 1 800 838 3006. Discounts For veterans, students, and seniors.