The show, set to open July 19, will play at the Steps' traditional NYC home, the John Houseman Theatre. Using musical comedy as a weapon, Capitol Steps will target George Bush, Yassir Arafat, The New York Times, Southwest Airlines, Saddam Hussein, Hans Blix and Martha Stewart and whatever else is in the headlines. Their new topical political satire includes such songs as "God Bless My SUV" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Baghdad" — and numbers are usually added daily to keep current.

The rotating cast of Between Iraq and A Hard Place includes co-founders Bill Strauss and Elaina Newport as well as Mike Carruthers, Kevin Corbett, Ann Johnson, Linda Rose Payne, Jack Rowles, Tracey Stephens, Mike Thornton, Mike Tilford and Jamie Zemarel.

The Capitol Steps were formed 22 years ago by co-founders Bill Strauss and Elaina Newport — aides for Republican Senator Charles Percy — when they were asked to entertain at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Christmas party. The group has grown to include a troupe of current and former Congressional staffers.

Producer Eric Krebs brought Capitol Steps to Off-Broadway in 1997 with their self-titled debut Capitol Steps. Since then, the troupe has returned with Unzippin My Doodah and Other National Priorities in 1998, It Ain't Over Till the First Lady Sings in 2000 and When Bush Comes To Shove in 2002. The company has toured nationally, playing over 8,000 performances and has released 22 albums, including "One Bush, Two Bush, Old Bush, New Bush," "Sixteen Scandals," "A Whole Newt World" and "76 Bad Loans."

For tickets to Capitol Steps: Between Iraq and A Hard Place at the John Houseman, 450 West 42 St., call (212) 239-6200.