The sign post shows the way to Toledo, Seoul, Tokyo, Honolulu, and the latrine. Even though the Korean War has passed, the Pullman Civic Theatre production of “M*A*S*H” brings up issues looked at with current warfare.

“War is war,” Director Penelope Gonzales said. “When I see current military members coming home, I think about their courage and bravery, but also all the sacrifices they had to make. This play asks: should they have to reach those depths?”

The story of “M*A*S*H” began with a book by Richard Hooker that was made into a movie, an eleven-season TV show and a play. The play was adapted by playwright Tim Kelly and drew most of its inspiration from the movie, Gonzales said.

Gonzales remembered watching the movie when it came out and found it very different from most war movies of the time.

“The operating scenes were not sugar-coated,” she said.

The play also features a short but powerful operating scene, which is the source of the play’s comedy, Gonzales said. The scene itself was described as “a punch in the gut” by one audience member and is exactly what Gonzales wanted it to be.

“The play’s comedy is a reaction to the pit of horror that is war,” Gonzales said. “It is fueled by a need to do something in the face of unimaginable pain.”

The cast performed the play three times last week and has three more performances before the play closes. The remaining performances will be Oct. 18, 19 and 20. 

The shows begin Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets can be bought at the door for $15 or online at pullmancivictheatre.org and at Neill’s Flowers and Gifts, Wild Ivy and Dissmore’s IGA for $12.