Actor-director and Actors Studio board member Angelica Torn will direct the production, which will continue through Aug. 27. The cast will be headed by J.W. Cortes.

Jim Cohen and Joanne Lee Drexler Cohen created this romantic musical centered on a Puerto Rican soldier, Jose, who is played by Cortes. Musical director is Natalie Tenenbaum.

"The poor, but handsome & talented, Jose is an aspiring singer/songwriter performing at a nightclub in Puerto Rico when he meets the elegant and wealthy Erica," according to press notes. "They fall in love and continue an incredible 4-month love affair until Jose is sent off to serve in Iraq. Before he goes, Erica promises, in a song, that she will wait for him 'As Long As It Takes.' They then introduce their two great childhood friends Raul and Ashley - who will also both be serving in Iraq. While Jose is on a military mission, he is caught by al-Qaeda and no one knows if he is alive or dead. When Erica, who is pregnant, learns that Jose is missing she marries the wealthy boy next door, at her mother’s insistence. The play works out, in story and song, how the lives of these four young people develop."

Raphael Benavides Productions produces.

Soldier’s Song will be presented July 21–24 (previews), July 28-31, Aug. 17-21 and Aug. 24-28 at 8 PM, with Saturday matinees at 3 PM July 23 and 30 and Aug. 20 and 27.

Poet’s Den Theater is located at 309 East 108th Street (between First and Second Avenues). For tickets, priced $45-$55, visit www.soldierssongmusical.com.