"Skytrooper" a musical performance about Vietnam War comes to Temecula July 25

TEMECULA – “Skytrooper, “ a 90-minute musical performance featuring 12 songs that pertain to the Vietnam War and the experiences of the men who fought it, will be offered at two different times on Friday, July 25 at The Merc, Old Town Temecula Community Theater. Show times will be 7 and 9 p.m.

The “Skytrooper” stage will be dressed with props that help provide the illusion of a bunker on an LZ with lighting that will set the mood and ambience of the occasion. The members of the band will include bass, drums, guitar and piano/strings with Bill Ellis singing songs he wrote while serving in Vietnam in 1968-69 when he was an infantryman with the 1st Air Calvary Division. Ellis will not only perform his original music, but tell his story to the audience.

Prior to his military service, Ellis performed with a rock band in the Bay Area. When this was discovered four months into his Vietnam service, Ellis was given a new assignment. He was asked to perform for the troops in areas too dangerous for civilian entertainers to travel. He sat on the bunkers and performed his own compositions for fellow troopers, providing comfort and boosting morale.

This performance is not suitable for children. Mature audience advised. Show contains some graphic language.

For tickets ($20/each), visit http://www.temeculatheater.org.