The Battle, Not the War

The Story

The second World War was filled with as much drag as bombs, as much love as hate, and as much tragedy as victory.

The Battle, Not the War is about gay men and women in the U.S. Army during World War II: how they survived, and in some cases, thrived, despite living and working within a vehemently anti-homosexual organization. Based on the accounts of real soldiers and declassified government documents, The Battle, Not the War tells the story of Michael Miller, Charlie Hughes, Robert Mann, Evelyn May, and Mary Smith. These composite characters represent dozens of people across the U.S. Army and Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (W.A.A.C.) and their experiences.

The Music

A mix of 1940’s drag show pastiche and contemporary musical theatre, the score currently exists in two versions.

Concert Version

  • Cast of 8 (5M/3F)

  • 3 Piece Orchestra (Piano, Horn in F, Electric Bass)

Book Version

  • Cast of 18 (10M/8F)

  • 6 Piece Orchestra (Piano, Acoustic/Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Violin, Horn in F, Percussion)

The RESEARCH

I conducted research over two years in preparation for writing. To the right is one page of hundreds from illegally-conducted interrogations at Fort Oglethorpe, GA which is currently at the National Archives, College Park, MD.

Further reading and viewing:

  • Coming Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men and Women During World War II by Allan Berube (1990)

    • The 1994 Documentary of the Same Name

  • Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community (1984)

  • G.I.: The U.S. Infantry in World War II by Robert S. Rush (2003)

  • Creating GI Jane: Sexuality and Power in the Women’s Army Corps During World War II by Leisa D. Meyer (1996)

A page from the Fort Oglethorpe Testimony: a secret trial conducted on women of the W.A.C. at Fort Oglethorpe, GA in 1945. This led to the imprisonment and discharge of a number of homosexual soldiers who were writing love letters.

Back row from L to R: Patrick Clark, Ellis Gage, Jarahn Cosby, Michael Repper, Dominic LaMorte, Matthew Jaimes

Front row from L to R: Jordan Stam, Nicole Fragala, KC Comeaux, Julia Meadows, Michael David Axtell, Zachary Catron