 At first, Berlin called in favors from civilian colleagues to visit and put on local performances to boost morale, but news of a Navy fundraising show on Broadway called "Boom Boom" inspired Berlin to request permission to write and stage a full Broadway production of their own.The songwriter not only obtained permission for the show, but also received General Bell's personal permission to return to Berlin's normal creative working schedule and a special exemption from reveille.Civilian musician Harry Ruby joined Berlin in camp to transcribe and arrange the music and collaborate on the show.