A new rock opera called "The Patriot Acts" by Jeff Neugebauer is a radical statement about patriotism and political corruption in America.

Mill Valley, October 7, 2008. The new, 90 minute rock opera by the Master Painter Jeff Neugebauer puts a spotlight on what it means to be a patriot in trying times when the government abuses its power. "The Patriot Acts" is a seething artistic interpretation about the events leading up to 9/11, the ensuing war with Iraq that followed, and the national sentiments of frustration, anger and sadness. Neugebauer's opera suggests that true patriots take up arms against misguided governments - beginning with the top leaders.

In Neugebauer's opera, a group of unscrupulous politicians use their political power for personal gain. They execute a plan to "allow" a terrorist attack on their nation. They then use the attack as a reason to declare war on an uninvolved country where they can secure lucrative contracts for their companies and make billions of dollars from its resources (oil). Meanwhile, a young soldier who recently joined the military as a way of getting a college education finds himself shipped off to fight in an illegitimate war. During his tour, the real motives of the war become evident. Before the son comes home safely, he and his buddies are surprised by an ambush. The son dies saving the lives of several members of his troop. The politicians decide to use the son's heroic act as more propaganda to promote and support their war. The son's angry mother is requested by the Politicians to attend a ceremony where her dead son is honored with a medal for his courage. She uses the event to commit the ultimate act of patriotism.

Reminiscent of the death of Patrick Tillman and Casey Sheehan (with a radical twist), the opera is Neugebauer's first. According to Scott Miller, owner of St. Louis based New Line Theater, "The show feels a little like "Tommy" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" (in the best ways) but it also really has its own sound and style. Very powerful stuff."

Neugebauer, who wrote the song "We Don't Want Your War" (dubbed by activists as the anthem for the Iraq Peace Movement) states, "I wrote the opera because I wanted to express what people have been feeling for the last several years. The crimes against this country by our executive branch should be seen as what they are - crimes. The patriotic mother takes matters into her own hands which is something I think we wish we could do at times."

"The Patriot Acts" can be heard for free online at http://www.thepatriotacts.com or the entire opera and script can downloaded for free from the web (mp3 format) at http://www.jeffneugebauer.com/JeffNeugebauer.com/The_Patriot_Act_-_Patriot_Acts.html. The script, composition, entire performance and production was created solely by Jeff Neugebauer - truly a monumental accomplishment taking over 3 years to complete. For information on Scott Miller's New Line Theatre visit http://www.newlinetheatre.com.

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