The work, which is being developed in collaboration with the estates of Loesser and Auerbach, is conceived and directed by UMC artistic director Ben West (The Fig Leaves Are Falling, At Home Abroad, Make Mine Manhattan) as a 1940s U.S.O. show. A private exploratory reading was held July 15, and UMC plans to present the work in fall 2014.

"Hosted by Hollywood ham Corky Scott, the colorful salute to the armed forces features performances by an assortment of outrageous entertainment personalities, with special appearances by three eccentric uniformed personnel," press notes state.

Using original material written by Auerbach and Loesser for their World War II army revues, as well as additional unpublished material written by Auerbach during his years in service, Up in Arms! will feature new arrangements by musical director Benet Braun for the little-known Loesser numbers that make up the score. The "lost" songs include "Why Do They Call A Private A Private?," "The WAC Hymn," "First Class Private Mary Brown" and "When He Comes Home" — all from Auerbach and Loesser's army revues.

UnsungMusicalsCo. Inc. is a not-for-profit production company dedicated to the preservation of musical theatre through the restoration and presentation of works that are obscure, but artistically sound.

Recent UMC projects include acclaimed productions of The Fig Leaves Are Falling and Make Mine Manhattan, a concert presentation of At Home Abroad, world-premiere concerts of Gatsby and Nothing is Forever and New York International Fringe Festival productions of Platinum and How Now, Dow Jones. More information can be found by visiting UnsungMusicals.org.