THE BONUS ARMY to Open 9/6 at The Gym at Judson

Judson Arts presents The Bonus Army, a classic American protest musical with a rousing score and lyrics by four-time Obie-winning composer Al Carmines, book by award-winning playwright David Epstein. Performances will be staged from September 6-19, 2013 at The Gym at Judson, 243 Thompson Street @ Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012.

In the dark early days of the Great Depression, in 1932, tens of thousands of unemployed World War I veterans traveled from all over the United States to march on Washington, D.C. They demanded that Congress, which had voted the war veterans a cash bonus to be paid in 1945, redeem their bonus certificates immediately, as they desperately needed the money. They called themselves the Bonus Expeditionary Force, but were known as The Bonus Army. In this environmental theatre production of the classic American protest musical, the audience is immersed in the rollicking action and soaring melodies.

Russell Treyz directs a cast of 35 including Beau Allen*, Sarah Blaze*, Micah Bucey, Richard Bull, Greg Carter*, Matthew Cleaver, John Cormier, Mark DiConzo*, Lenny Fox, Paul Fraccalvieri, Gary Giardina, Steve Greenstein*, Rob Hatzenbeller *, Christopher Johnson*, Martin L'Herault, Robert Lydiard*, Kevin Maleike, Robin Manning*, Marilyn Matarrese*, Uriel Menson*, Bergin Michaels*, Paul Murphy*, Michael C. O'Day*, Tony Perry*, Leila Rinehart, Tom Romero*, Anlami Shaw, Kim Sweet*, Megan Thomas*, Paul Thomas Ryan*, Jeff Turrentine, Otto Walberg, Terry L. Walker*, Kevin B. Winebold*, and D. Zhonzinsky*. *Member, Actors' Equity Association. AEA Approved Showcase.

The Bonus Army not only revives the astounding music of quadruple Obie winner, Al Carmines, but it also startles us with the recognition that the ways of our politicians have remained the same whether it be 1932 (the year of the incident), 1976 (when the musical was written) or 2013. Being surrounded by Al's stirring music sung by a cast of 36 is an exalting experience that is complemented by David Epstein's biting comedy and touching humanity.

Between 1962 and 1981, the composer/lyricist/playwright Al Carmines wrote over 40 productions for Judson Poets' Theater, had 7 musicals move to commercial Off-Broadway runs, and won 4 Obies, including the first Obie for Sustained Achievement - all this while serving as a minister at Judson Memorial Church. David Epstein's plays have been produced Off-Broadway, in Europe and at regional theatres across the country. With Carmines, in addition to The Bonus Army (1976), Epstein wrote the book and collaborated on the lyrics for Wanted (1971).

The Bonus Army plays for 12 performances from September 6-19, 2013. Performances are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Additional performances will be held on Monday, September 9th at 8pm and Tuesday, September 17th at 8pm.

Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by visiting http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/441752.

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