Yank! is coming to Broadway

Just one day after the New York Times reported that the Off-Broadway premiere of Yank! A World War II Love Story may come to Broadway during the 2010 - 11 season, comes confirmation, in a form of a press release from the show's producers.

The commercial co-producers of the current production of Yank! are Maren Berthelsen, Pamela Koslow, Stuart Wilk, Matt Schicker, Hugh Hayes, Jim Kierstead, Sondra Healy and Shidan Majidi. Joining the team for the Broadway production will be Karl Held, one of the producers of the recent revival of Ragtime earlier this season. The York Theatre Company, one of the co-producers of the show's current Off-Broadway run, will not co-produce the Broadway outing.

"We're thrilled with the entire run at the York -- from the record-breaking advance sales to the sold-out run and extension to the sensational critical and audience response. Now we're eager to bring Yank! to an even larger audience," said co-producer Stuart Wilk.

"It's a universal story that has been embraced by audiences of all ages and orientations, that speaks to everybody. We believe there is no one who has seen Yank! who does not come away touched in some way."

Said James Morgan of the York: "We're delighted to have helped this show on its way. It's exactly the kind of literate, intimate musical theatre we have become known for producing and we look forward to watching it continue to blossom on its way to Broadway."

Set during World War II, Yank! 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 1940's, Yank! captures the spirit and exuberance of the era as it explores questions of prejudice, courage and survival.

The producers believe that the current USA debate over the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for gay men and women in the American armed forces makes the timing right for a Broadway run.

Stuart Wilk said "We've been mindful of 'don't ask, don't tell' moving right to the center of the national discussion. There has never been a better time on Broadway for a musical wartime love story that just happens to involve two G.I.'s."

The Broadway production is estimated to cost five million dollars, and producers say that the responce from investors has been encouraging.

There has been no details released on the cast, director or theatre for the Broadway production. However, it will come as no surprise if Bobby Steggert, who stars as 'Stu' int the Off-Broadway production, continues in that role when the musical arrives on the Great White Way.

Yank! opened at the York Theatre at Saint Peter's on 24 Feb 2010, following prevews from 16 Feb. The show, which was scheduled to close on 21 Mar 2010 has extended its run due to the high demand for tickets through to 4 Apr 2010.

The show opened to mostly excellent reviews: Harmonies are vibrant (newyorktheatreguide.com); A fine mix of humor and simmering drama (NY Times); Supremely entertaining (AP); Bright, original and moving (Variety).

Directed by Igor Goldin, the Off-Broadway run stars Nancy Anderson, Jeffry Denman, Ivan Hernandez and Bobby Steggert.

The musical also features Andrew Durand, Zak Edwards, Todd Faulkner, Denis Lambert, Joseph Medeiros, David Perlman, Christopher Ruth and Tally Sessions.

Featuring music by Joseph Zellnik and book and lyrics by David Zellnik, Yank! also features music direction by John Baxindine, choreography by Jeffry Denman, set design by Ray Klausen, costume design by Tricia Barsamian and lighting design by Ken Lapham.