Photo Flash: Inside Look at Opening Night of Manatee Performing Arts Center's YANK!

Yank! tells the story of Stu, a Midwestern kid who gets drafted for World War II in 1943, and becomes a reporter for Yank Magazine, the journal 'for the servicemen, by the servicemen.' Yank! has a score that pays homage to the 1940s and explores what it means to be a man, and what it is to fall in love and struggle. Intelligent and impassioned, suffused with songs in swing, big band and boogie-woogie styles, the show explores the stories that don't get told in wartime, and how WWII became a great catalyst in bringing gay men and women together. Broadway World has an exclusive look into Manatee Performing Arts Center's opening night reception below.

Yank! features music by Joseph Zellnik with book and lyrics by David Zellnik, directed by Kenn C Rapczynski, featuring music direction by Michelle Neal and choreography by Brian Finnerty. Set design is by Ralph Nurmela, costume design by Georgina Willmott, and lighting design by Patrick Bedell.

Yank! originated as a part of the 2005 New York Musical Theatre Festival, later seen Off-Broadway in 2010, and will be making its regional debut with upcoming run at Manatee Performing Arts Center.

Featuring: Brian Craft as Stu, Katie Eichler as Louise, Billy Masuck as Mitch, Brian Finnerty as Artie, Dave Addis as Czechowski, Chris Hines as Tennessee, Phillip Morehouse as Cohen, Jay Poppe as Sarge, Brian Strubbe as Melanie, Joseph Rebella as Rotelli and Joshua Roberson as Professor.

In collaboration with Equality Florida, the musical is a part of the Manatee Performing Arts Center's series Action through Acting. The program was designed to build community awareness and provide socially relevant issues a voice through live theatrical presentations. The musical is co-produced by Ron Lennon and Randy Rentfro.

Tickets are available by calling (941) 748-5875 or by visiting http://www.manateeperformingartscenter.com.

Photo Credit: Laurie Krampits

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