The Group Rep Celebrates Veterans Day at DON'T HUG ME, WE'RE MARRIED

The Group Rep celebrated Veterans Day early on Friday, November 7th, hosting local Veterans to a free performance of the well-received world premiere musical comedy "Don't Hug Me, We're Married" at the Lonny Chapman Theatre. The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre is a 41 year-old producing 501 c (3) membership theatre company located in the NoHo Arts District of North Hollywood, CA.

The Thank-A-Vet event was hatched by actor Kevin Dobson ("Kojak", "Knots Landing") who has, over the years, been actively donating his time to various Veterans organizations. In the late 1990s, Kevin was involved in visiting service men and women across the country at nearly 50 veteran medical facilities. In addition, he has participated in various events honoring United States Veterans and numerous fundraisers in support of non-profit organizations offering services to our Veterans.

Currently, Kevin Dobson serves as co-chair of the SAG-AFTRA Veterans Committee. Kevin also serves as a Board Member of the Group Repertory Theatre in North Hollywood and thought it might be nice to offer local Veterans free theatre tickets to a fun play. The GRT Board Members agreed and an invitation was extended to attend the theatre as guests of the Group Rep.

The Jewish War Veterans and Cal-Vets jumped in to help Dobson and GRT coordinate the effort. Founded in 1892, the Jewish War Veterans was the very first Veterans group to be formed and today, is the most influential in the United States. The local Cal-Vets organization is currently providing housing for our Veterans in three new buildings on the Westwood VA campus. The organizations distributed the tickets to ambulatory and hospitalized Veterans at the Westwood VA Medical Center in appreciation for their dedicated service in upholding freedoms that, as citizens of the United States, we hold dear.

Everyone had a great time. The cast, crew, and the Group Rep Company Members were happy to be a part of the Thank-A-Vet event. Kevin Dobson said, "This past Friday, will begin a new and ongoing relationship with our local Veterans by providing them the opportunities to enjoy our future productions throughout the 2014-2015 Season."

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