Roundabout Revitalizes YANK!; Steggert, Santino et al. Lead Workshop in Feb.

BroadwayWorld has confirmed that the Roundabout Theatre Company will produce a private industry workshop of Yank!, a WWII musical on February 25 and February 26.  The York Theatre Company premiered the show last season and since its critically acclaimed reception, buzz has been swirling about a Broadway transfer as early as next season.  Original Yank! cast member Bobby Steggert will be reprising his role in the upcoming workshop.  New cast members include Santino Fontana, Morgan Spector, Michael Berresse, Nellie McKay, Jeff Hiller, Tally Sessions, Colt Prattes, Derrick Trumbly, Jeremy Cohen, Tyler Maynard, Cole Escola, Brad Bass, Cody Williams and Colin Bradbury.

David Cromer will direct the workshop, with the intention that he will bring the show to the Great White Way. The creative team features music by Joseph Zellnik, book and lyrics by David Zellnik, choreography by Jeffry Denman, and musical direction by Rob Berman.

The Roundabout workshop is produced in association with Maren Bethelsen/Pam Koslow/Stuart Wilk, and Matt Schicker, Hugh Hayes, Jim Kierstead, Sondra Healy and Shidan Majidi, Karl E. Held, and Joe and Sandi Black.

Set during World War II, Yank! chronicles the romantic relationship between two servicemen long before don't-ask-don't-tell was part of the national discussion. With a lively score inspired by the pop sounds of the 1940s, Yank! captures the spirit and exuberance of the era even as it explores questions of prejudice, courage and survival. It tells the story of Stu-a photographer for Yank magazine-and Mitch, an Army Private, who fall in love and struggle to survive in a time and place where the odds are stacked against them.

Yank! began preview performances at the York Theatre on February 16, 2010 and opened on February 24. Cast incuded: Bobby Steggert, Ivan Hernandez, Jeffry Denman, Nancy Anderson, Andrew Durand, Zak Edwards, Todd Faulkner, Denis Lambert, Joseph Medeiros, David Perlman, Christopher Ruth and Tally Sessions. It was directed by Igor Goldin and choreographed by Jeffrey Denman.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg