Hayes, Taylor and Others to Participate in Yank! Post-Show Discussions

By Thomas Peter
02 Mar 2010

The York Theatre Company, in collaboration with Broadway Impact, will present three discussions following performances of the York's current production, Yank!

The March 2, 9 and 17 talkbacks will highlight the themes and historical background of the show, a new musical which, according to press notes, is "set during World War II [and] chronicles the 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 as it explores questions of prejudice, courage and survival."

The March 2 discussion, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell: The Past, Present and Future of the Historic Policy," will be moderated by Blake Hayes, the television and radio personality who founded Equality Army. Hayes' panel will include Anthony Hayes, of Human Rights Campaign, and Denny Meyer, of American Veterans for Human Rights.

For the March 9 talkback, the topic will be "Pop Music of World War II: The Songs That Changed a Generation." Panelists will be announced shortly.

The March 17 panel, titled "Gay and Lesbian Characters in Musicals: 'They are what they are…,'" will feature Will Taylor (La Cage aux Folles) and Michael Anderson, an M.A. candidate in dramaturgy at Brooklyn College.

Featuring music by Joseph Zellnik and book and lyrics by David Zellnik, Yank! opened Feb. 16 and runs at the York through March 21. The show has received a GLAAD Media Award nomination, an NYMF Audience Award for Best Musical and the New York Innovative Theater Award for Outstanding Musical Production.

The York Theatre Company is located at St. Peter's Church at 619 Lexington Avenue (54th Street entrance). For tickets call (212) 935-5820 or visit yorktheatre.org.