Yank! (NYMF)

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 9:50pm

This is one of the shows I'm working on for the festival, and I know it's technically sold out, but I want to tell everyone about this show that might not otherwise know about it.

The cast is fantastic, from top to bottom. The plot is pretty generic and the songs are serviceable - with adequate lyrics - but there's something about this show that I love. Given, it's in it's early workshop stages - things need to be fixed - but for what it is, where it is - it's great. The choreography is spectacular, and the show is really very inventive and good. It succeeds when it doesn't take itself too seriously. So I urge all of you who might be curious, to go check it out.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 9:51pm

What's the deal with Marc Kudisch and Raúl Esparza narrating something for this thing?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 9:54pm

The guys watch a movie in the show - and the movie playing features their voices - it's really funny and overly dramatic.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 9:56pm

They seemed like random choices to narrate a movie. Raúl is so... soft-spoken. That's cute, though.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 9:57pm

Yea, it's funny. Come see the show, it's very good. The lead (who was also the lead in THRILL ME at the York) has something very amazing and subtle about his acting. Very soft - very Michael Arden-ish.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 9:59pm

I wanted to see it, but I can't make it to either of the added performances.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:07pm

I saw it tonight. I really liked it a lot. I thought the score was uneven but pretty OK, but whatever weaknesses it had were outweighed by the thoughtful and gripping book. I may be giving the score short shrift as I was so totally engrossed in the story of a young gay man's sexual and personal awakening in the army during WWII, that I couldn't wait to see how the story developed. I wish I could see it again to JUST concentrate on the score.

The dance numbers were terrific, particularly the Act 2 dream sequence which was sexy, angry and powerful stuff. And the tap number with the excellent Jeffrey Denman was equally memorable.

It was great to see a well-written dramatic and romantic gay musical that also had an important and at times heartbreaking history to tell.

I'll post more on this tomorrow - and it was great to see midtowngym during intermission!

Updated On: 9/18/05 at 10:07 PM

[LesMizazz]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:13pm

I definitely see the resemblance of soft-spokenness with Doug Kreeger (the lead in Yank) and Michael Arden. That's one thing I really noticed about Doug's performance in this, and in Swimming Upstream which he did earlier in the Fringe. He has a very relaxing, calm way of speaking and getting the point across.
Michael Arden was actually at the show on Friday night.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:21pm

I work on the show and I didn't see him there - disappointing! I'm glad people like it - spread the word.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:22pm

I was also there on Friday night--on the arm of the glamorous Loretta Swit. She enjoyed the show immensely.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:24pm

Hahaha...I bet.

I wish I knew what you guys looked like so I might have recognized you!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:26pm

You didn't recognize Loretta Swit? She was signing autographs during intermission!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:27pm

.....

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:34pm

Munk, are we supposed to fill-in-the-blank in your last posting?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:39pm

Well I do'nt know what I'm supposed to say. I don't really even know who Loretta Swit is. I wouldn't recognize her. I thought you were kidding.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:43pm

YOU DON'T KNOW WHO LORETTA SWIT IS????????

WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU????

DIDN'T YOU EVER WATCH M.A.S.H. ON TELEVISION?

DIDN'T YOU KNOW ABOUT HER SOLD-OUT TOUR IN LOVE LETTERS?

DIDN'T YOU SEE HER LIGHT UP THE STAGE ON BROADWAY WHEN SHE PLAYED IN EDWIN DROOD????

YOU'VE BEEN HANGING OUT WITH LIAM TOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:47pm

I know the name! I'm sorry! I'm only 20 - I wasn't around to see DROOD or MASH!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:48pm

You're only 20? Then why am I bothering talking to you?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:49pm

I thought you knew how old I was!

And hey - no skin off my back!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:50pm

I can't believe that 20 year olds don't know who Loretta Swit is!

Don't they watch re-runs?

(Damned kids!)

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:54pm

I've seen MASH, but I didn't like it. Sorry! I don't watch much TV...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 10:59pm

Kids are SUPPOSEd to watch TV! They're supposed to sit there glued to the tube, watching MTV or Nick-at-Night!

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 11:06pm

"Hey, let's see if we can get Robyn Byrd!"

[joniray]

Posted: 9/19/05 at 1:12pm

Just wanted to add my cry of support for this show. I saw it yesterday and within a minute my eyes were already getting misty. I was so moved throughout the whole piece. And how refreshing to see dance play such an emotional role in storytelling again!

I hope to God this show sees another production so I can experience it again and bring friends.

[magic8ball]

Posted: 9/19/05 at 3:22pm

Whew. I'm glad to hear some positive stuff about this show. I'm going to see it on Wednesday night. Review to follow.