AMY STUTZ
  • Theatre
    • Reviews
    • Interviews
    • Features
  • Travel
  • About
  • Published Work
  • Theatre
  • Travel
  • About
  • Published Work
4K Followers
0 Followers
Subscribe
AMY STUTZ
AMY STUTZ
  • Theatre
    • Reviews
    • Interviews
    • Features
  • Travel
  • About
  • Published Work
  • Theatre

REVIEW | Yank! The Musical | Hope Mill Theatre

  • 16th March 2017
  • No comments
  • 3 minute read
  • Amy
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Telling the true story of two men in World War 2 that fall in love, Yank! is a poignant piece of musical theatre about what it means to be a man, and being able to love freely. The European Premiere of the production opened at the Hope Mill Theatre last night in Manchester. 

Set during the time when the notion of homosexuality in America was being defined by the development of modern psychiatry. It’s a powerful story that is important to be told, whilst men were fighting for their lives at war, they were also fighting for their freedom. It’s thought-provoking to watch the struggles they have to fight against the system in order to be able to love.

Young soldier Stu (Scott Hunter) is finding the war a lot harder than anticipated. He isn’t as strong as the other men, and feels like he has failed as a man. Whilst getting teased and tormented by the other soldiers, he finds comfort in his journal. His diary entries narrate the show, and as an audience we are able to delve into his deepest thoughts. He strikes a friendship with fellow soldier Mitch (Barnaby Hughes), and his friendship that transpires into love and they find themselves kissing. Their love story is rocky, as Mitch fights back, denying he isn’t a ‘fruit’ or a ‘fairy’. Struggling with his heartbreak, Stu decides to leave the army squad to become a reporter for Yank! magazine.

 

 

It’s an emotive narrative that is told through the style of an MGM musical, with influences of Rogers and Hammerstein, the story is told through theatrical dance accompanied by a rich score. When Stu meets photographer Artie (Chris Kelly) in a bar, he soon realises he is also gay which is discovered through an excellently crafted tap number ‘Click’, in which Artie shows Stu the secret way the guys would identify other gay men in the war – which is a code they would tap on the floor.

Creating light and shade in the production, the balance of the impressively choreographed musical numbers with the beautifully sombre duets, creates an engaging piece of theatre. The language is poetic, with interjections of quick-witted humour from the army squad – whose distinct personalities bring warmth to the piece.

Leading the cast, Scott Hunter barely leaves the stage as the young soldier Stu who is struggling with his identity. His performance is charged with emotion as he goes on a journey to discover who he really is and what he really feels. Hunter’s character progression through the show is compelling to watch, opening the show as the weakest soldier, he becomes the strongest as he doesn’t give up in his fight to love. Opposite him, Barnaby Hughes gives a moving performance as Mitch as he displays his tough and charismatic nature, but it is his glimpses of vulnerability that draw the audience to his character.

There are some truly touching moments between Stu and Mitch as their love unravels. James Baker’s direction is fluid and honest, creating a genuine portrayal of love against all odds

Yank! The Musical is heart-warming, heart-aching and everything in-between.

On until the 8th of April, tickets can be found here.

 

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • Hope Mill Theatre
  • Manchester Theatre
  • musical theatre
  • Yank! The Musical
Amy

Previous Article
  • Theatre

REVIEW | Bat Out Of Hell the Musical

  • 15th March 2017
  • Amy
View Post
Next Article
  • Theatre

REVIEW | MK Ultra | Rosie Kay Dance Company

  • 18th March 2017
  • Amy
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Theatre

INTERVIEW | Prema Mehta on Bringing The RSC’s The Winter’s Tale to the BBC

  • 19th April 2021
  • Amy
An Audience of the Future project. The Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with Manchester International Festival, Marshmallow Laser Feast and Philharmonia
View Post
  • Theatre

A Digital Dream – The RSC Use Live Performance and Gaming Technology to Explore the Future for Audiences

  • 13th March 2021
  • Amy
View Post
  • Theatre

REVIEW | The Secret Society of Leading Ladies | The Barn Theatre

  • 22nd February 2021
  • Amy
View Post
  • Reviews
  • Theatre

REVIEW | Women in Theatre’s ‘Women in Lockdown’

  • 16th November 2020
  • Amy
View Post
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Theatre

Sleepless – the new musical about hope, love & magic that we all need right now

  • 26th August 2020
  • Amy
View Post
  • Features
  • Theatre

The West Midlands Work Together on the Arts and Culture Comeback

  • 18th June 2020
  • Amy
Back to the Future musical at Manchester's Opera House review
View Post
  • Reviews
  • Theatre

REVIEW | Back to the Future | Manchester

  • 12th March 2020
  • Amy
View Post
  • Reviews
  • Theatre

REVIEW | Poet in da Corner | Birmingham Rep

  • 12th March 2020
  • Amy

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Search
about
Amy Stutz
Follow Us
AMY STUTZ
UK Arts, Culture and Theatre Blog

Input your search keywords and press Enter.