"We specialize in troop movement," says Marsha Roberts, Producer of the world’s most decorated play, Letters From the Front, adding, "We love doing shows for the young troops. They’re our favorite."

Letters From the Front has been touring military installations since 1992 and so far has racked up over 250 performances at more than 150 bases around the world. A lot of those have been training bases. "When the drill sergeants parade these young men and women into the theatre, the expression on their faces say: Oh no, not a play! Haven’t we endured enough? Then the show begins and within minutes they’re laughing and clapping," says Roberts.

"During the show’s two hour running time they exhibit a wide range of emotions: laughter, anger, suspense, even tears. But the emotion they confess to feeling the most is how Letters From the Front makes them feel proud to be Americans serving their country. That’s what we call troop movement."

Roberts says that given the theme of Letters From The Front, people are usually surprised by how entertaining it is. "I love to tell the story about a general who, before the show, laughed and said, 'I hate to tell you but my wife drags me to these things and I always fall asleep in the first 15 minutes.’ After the show, he came up to me, slapped me on the back and said, ‘You got me! I have to admit it! Ten minutes into the thing and I was hooked! I loved every minute of it!"

The new World War II edition of the popular play has been touring since the 1999 Pacific Rim Tour. The play's characters and themes remain the same as the original Desert Storm version -- a successful formula that Playwright Robert Rector didn't want to tamper with. "We use actual letters from all major American wars and that interests everyone," he says. "And the letters we use are incredibly human. We’ve had many people come up to us after a show amazed that letters written 100 years ago expressed feelings they have today."

A common misconception about the show is that it is only about the letters. In reality, Letters From the Front: WWII is a three act, two hour dramedy. The powerful messages behind actual war correspondence provide the catalyst for the poignant and surprisingly funny story of the 1945 home front. The plot centers around Katharine Hartgrove, a renowned writer of human interest stories (whose son is fighting with the 5th Army in Northern Italy), and popular radio celebrity Johnny Chastain, the man Katharine loves. As the story opens, they are collaborating on a new show about war correspondence. The way Johnny and Katharine interpret and react to the letters makes them particularly real for the audience.

As part of a Defense Commissary Agency worldwide promotion, the Letters From the Front: WWII  2001 10th Anniversary Tour, which will play at (name of venue) on (playdates) at (showtimes), is sponsored by General Mills, M & M/Mars, Best Foods and Muellers.

Is the play suitable for children? "There’s nothing obscene or R-rated in Letters From the Front: WWII," says Producer Roberts. "But keep in mind that this is an honest and personal look at war time experiences. Kids from middle school and up enjoy the play. Younger children are usually not mature enough to understand the play’s themes and consequently can become restless. As a courtesy to the actors and the audience, it is recommended that they not attend."

Those wishing to sample authentic war letters, check the schedule or learn more about this extraordinary play, can do so on the Internet at www.letters-from-the-front.com.